Gachagua no-show at Raila’s national memorial service
The absence of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua at the State Funeral of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has raised eyebrows among some Kenyans, with curious observers questioning his no-show at the event.
However, the presence of other United Opposition leaders such as Kalonzo Musyoka, Fred Matiang’i, Martha Karua, Eugene Wamalwa, and Justin Muturi at Nyayo National Stadium signalled that leaders from across the political divide cut a united figure to honour Raila.
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Despite their differences, especially after his ouster from the ruling coalition, Rigathi Gachagua paid an emotional tribute to the late Raila Amolo Odinga, hailing him as a towering figure in Kenya’s political history and a hero of Africa’s democratic struggle.
In a heartfelt message posted on his X account on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, Gachagua mourned Raila as “the father of Kenya’s democracy” and “a formidable hero of the country’s second liberation.”
The DCP boss praised Raila’s courage and resilience in the face of political persecution, recalling his years of detention and relentless fight for multiparty democracy.
“You stood tall and strong in intellect, knowledge, and the quest for democracy. You faced brutal regimes and were tortured, jailed, abducted, and detained severally for Kenya,” Gachagua wrote.
“When the history of Africa’s Pan-Africanism is written, your chapter as the indefatigable lion of Africa will attract many readers.”
He described Raila as a man who dedicated his entire life to public service, from his early days as a university lecturer and civil servant to his years as a cabinet minister, Prime Minister, and opposition leader.
The arrival of President William Ruto, the last high-ranking national leader making his entry into Nyayo as per State protocol, meant that Gachagua was highly unlikely to attend the service.
Reasons for his lack of attendance were yet to be revealed, as no formal communication was issued by his camp ahead of the event.
Gachagua and Raila rift
The two leaders became well-acquainted with each other during the campaign period ahead of the 2022 General Election. Raila was vying for the Presidency under the Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya coalition, while Gachagua was Ruto’s running mate.
During the campaigns, Gachagua was one of Raila’s fiercest critics, accusing him of being a ‘State project’, backed by then-President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Gachagua positioned himself as a defender of the “hustler nation” and the Mt. Kenya region against what he framed as elite politics associated with Odinga and Kenyatta.
After the Supreme Court upheld Ruto’s win, Gachagua continued to criticise Odinga, especially for leading mass protests against the government in 2023 over the high cost of living and alleged election rigging.
Gachagua accused Odinga of trying to destabilise the country through protests and seeking a ‘handshake’ similar to the one he had with Uhuru in 2018.
