Rigathi Gachagua former deputy president has broken his silence on why he did not attend Raila Odinga’s highly publicised state funeral held at Parliament Buildings and later at Nyayo Stadium. The event, which took place on October 17, drew leaders from across the political divide, the diplomatic community, and thousands of Kenyans who turned up to honour the opposition leader. However, Gachagua’s absence quickly became a subject of speculation, with many questioning why a former second-in-command would miss such a nationally significant occasion.
Speaking a month later, Gachagua claimed that his decision to stay away was driven by concerns for his personal safety. According to him, he received intelligence indicating that a group of plainclothes officers had been assigned to attack him during the funeral proceedings. He alleged that the attack would then be blamed on members of the Luo community in an attempt to trigger tribal hostilities and paint him as a victim of political hatred. Gachagua insisted that the plot was part of a broader political scheme meant to destabilise his standing and create tensions that could easily spiral out of control.
He explained that the information came from a source he considered credible, prompting him to weigh his options carefully. Given the charged political environment surrounding Raila’s passing and the large crowds expected at both Parliament and Nyayo Stadium, Gachagua said he believed the risks were too high. He stressed that his absence was not out of disrespect to Raila Odinga or his family but rather a precautionary measure to avoid being used as a tool for political manipulation.
