Acting Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party Leader Hon. Dr Oburu Odinga has dismissed claims that the party has banned former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua from visiting Bondo to mourn the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
This comes after a section of ODM leaders, led by Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, addressed the media on Wednesday, stating that Gachagua was not welcome in Bondo during the mourning period. The remarks sparked heated debate across the country, with many questioning whether the statements represented the party’s official position.
Wanga’s remarks were informed by utterances attributed to Nyeri Country governor Mutahi Kahiga, who was captured while allegedly celebrating Raila’s death in a funeral in Nyeri. Governor Kahiga is said to have spoken on behalf of former Deputy President Gigathi Gachagua.
In a clarifying statement on Thursday, Oburu Odinga said the ODM Party had not issued any directive barring any leader from visiting or condoling with the Odinga family.
“We have seen reports suggesting that ODM has banned H.E. Rigathi Gachagua from visiting Bondo to mourn Raila and condole with the family. We wish to remind all leaders that H.E. Rigathi is a Kenyan citizen and has every right to travel anywhere in the Republic of Kenya,” Oburu said.
He urged leaders to treat Raila’s passing as a national tragedy that should unite, rather than divide, the country.
