Speaking during an interview on Wednesday, March 25, Gachagua said he had already taken steps to organize the visit, including assembling a delegation of elders for the journey to Bondo.
However, he revealed that his efforts were stalled after reaching out to Ida Odinga, who requested more time before confirming a suitable date.
“I did call Mama Ida Odinga and passed my personal condolences. We requested to visit Bondo, but she said the family needed more time and would respond at an appropriate moment. We are still waiting,” he said.
“I did call Mama Ida Odinga and passed my personal condolences. We requested to visit Bondo, but she said the family needed more time and would respond at an appropriate moment. We are still waiting,” he said.
Gachagua emphasized that cultural expectations and respect for family protocol prevented him from proceeding without formal approval. He noted that, as a senior leader, it would be inappropriate to make such a visit unannounced.
Beyond the delay, Gachagua also cited security concerns as a key factor behind his absence during critical moments of Raila Odinga’s funeral rites.
He claimed he had planned to attend the requiem mass at Nyayo Stadium but received intelligence suggesting that individuals had been mobilized to disrupt the event and possibly harm him.
According to Gachagua, the alleged plan was aimed at creating the impression of political hostility between the Mt Kenya and Nyanza regions. He said he chose to stay away to avoid overshadowing the solemn occasion with potential chaos.
“I realised it was an important moment for Raila Odinga and his supporters. It would have been imprudent for me to attend if it risked causing disruption,” he explained.
He further stated that similar security concerns influenced his decision not to attend the burial in Bondo, claiming he had been warned of another alleged plot involving unnamed individuals seeking to orchestrate violence during the ceremony.
Despite the controversy, Gachagua reiterated that he holds no animosity toward the Luo community, maintaining that past tensions were purely political and tied to his rivalry with Raila Odinga during election periods.
His remarks come amid heightened political tensions, as leaders continue to realign and redefine their positions following Raila’s passing.
According to Gachagua, the alleged plan was aimed at creating the impression of political hostility between the Mt Kenya and Nyanza regions. He said he chose to stay away to avoid overshadowing the solemn occasion with potential chaos.
“I realised it was an important moment for Raila Odinga and his supporters. It would have been imprudent for me to attend if it risked causing disruption,” he explained.
He further stated that similar security concerns influenced his decision not to attend the burial in Bondo, claiming he had been warned of another alleged plot involving unnamed individuals seeking to orchestrate violence during the ceremony.
Despite the controversy, Gachagua reiterated that he holds no animosity toward the Luo community, maintaining that past tensions were purely political and tied to his rivalry with Raila Odinga during election periods.
His remarks come amid heightened political tensions, as leaders continue to realign and redefine their positions following Raila’s passing.
The delayed visit and the explanations surrounding it highlight the delicate balance between political rivalry, cultural expectations, and personal respect in Kenya’s evolving political landscape.
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