Gakuya scoffs at critics over opposition’s plan to visit Raila’s Bondo grave
By Aloys Michael, November 4, 2025Embakasi North Member of Parliament James Gakuya has told off critics over the plan by the United Opposition to visit the grave of the late ODM leader Raila Odinga at his ancestral home in Kang’o Ka Jaramogi, in Bondo, Siaya County.
Also Watch: “We urge Gachagua to never ever step in Bondo”- ODM Vice Chair Nyanza
In an interview on a local TV station on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, Gakuya accused a section of politicians from the government and ODM of attempting to block the move and even sidelining the opposition, save for Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka during the requiem mass and burial ceremony.
“There is nothing wrong with the opposition leaders visiting Raila’s grave. They are going there to mourn with the family, not to inherit Raila’s blessings or legacy. If the family is okay with it, why would anyone else have a problem?” he posed.
The MP explained that the nature of the opposition’s leaders is to console with the family and have nothing to do with photo ops.
“There is nothing wrong with Opposition leaders coming together to visit the family of the late Raila to give pole. Even if we were not here during the burial, we have come here to say pole,” he said.
Also Watch: Wamalwa Defends Gachagua’s Absence from Raila’s Funeral
This comes after the ODM leaders warned the former Deputy President, Rigathi Gachagua, against visiting Raila’s home following the controversial remarks that were made by Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga, which the leaders believed were associated with Gachagua.
ODM Kisumu Deputy Chairperson Seth Kanga, who also doubles up as Assembly Whip, said the party would not welcome Gachagua’s planned visit to the Nyanza region, citing what he termed as “unfriendly sentiments” towards ODM and its leadership.
“We heard that Gachagua and his team plan to visit the home of our party leader, the late Raila Odinga. We are urging him, please, don’t step in Bondo,” Kanga stated.
It is worth noting that the DCP boss was a show in the late Raila’s State Funeral, save for the condolence message that he shared on social media accounts.
Opposition visits Raila’s grave
As Kenyans and supporters of the late ODM leader wait for the visit, Wiper chief Kalonzo has stated that the Odinga family has given the green light for friends and political allies of the late Raila Amolo Odinga to visit and condole with them in Bondo.
In a press briefing at the SKM Command Centre in Nairobi on Monday, November 3, 2025, Kalonzo said those close to Raila had agreed to respect his wish for a quick burial and will now visit the family formally.
“On Thursday, familia ya ndugu yetu marehemu Raila Odinga wametukubalika tukawaambieni pole.Kwa sababu ndugu yetu alisema azikwe haraka iwezekanavyo hatukupata nafasi, marafiki wa Raila wengi wameamua tutaandamana tukaambie familia bado tunasimama na wao,” he said.
He emphasised that the gesture is meant to show solidarity with the Odinga family and honour Raila’s legacy.