The absence of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua at the State Funeral of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has sparked mixed reactions among Kenyans.
Many had expected him to join other national figures at the emotional ceremony held at Nyayo National Stadium on Friday, October 17, 2025.
The event, attended by President William Ruto and prominent Opposition leaders including Kalonzo Musyoka, Martha Karua, Fred Matiang’i, Eugene Wamalwa, and Justin Muturi, symbolized a rare moment of political unity.
Gachagua’s conspicuous absence, however, stood out, leading to speculation about the reasons behind it.
Sources close to his camp did not issue any official statement explaining his no-show. Interestingly, the State Funeral coincided with the first anniversary of his impeachment as Deputy President on October 17, 2024 — a date that may have carried personal significance for him.
Gachagua and Raila shared a long and contentious political history. During the 2022 General Election campaigns, Gachagua was among Raila’s fiercest critics, accusing him of being a “State project” backed by then-President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Their rivalry continued even after President Ruto’s victory, with Gachagua often clashing with Raila over protests and governance issues.
After his impeachment, Gachagua found himself on the opposition bench, while Raila surprisingly reconciled with Ruto in a national unity pact earlier this year.
Despite their bitter political past, Gachagua publicly mourned Raila’s death, praising him as a “champion of democracy and freedom.”
Whether his absence at the funeral was a silent protest, personal reflection, or a calculated political move remains unclear. What is certain, however, is that the void left by his absence did not go unnoticed.
By Newshub