Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has revealed that security threats informed his decision to skip the State funeral and burial of veteran opposition leader Raila Odinga.
Speaking in an interview on Ramogi TV on Wednesday evening, the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader said intelligence reports indicated there were organised plans to attack him during the funeral service held at the Nyayo National Stadium and later in Bondo.
According to Gachagua, the alleged plots were aimed at triggering ethnic tensions between the Luo and Kikuyu communities.
“I had planned to attend, but I received information that some goons had been arranged to attack me, which could have created conflict,” he said.
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The former DP noted that he made a deliberate decision to stay away in order to preserve the dignity of the occasion and avoid any disruption during the solemn send-off.
He added that similar intelligence reports influenced his decision not to travel to Bondo for the burial, warning that any incident involving him could have escalated into wider unrest.
Gachagua further claimed that previous attacks against him in Nairobi were politically orchestrated, although he did not present any evidence to support the allegations.
He maintained that his absence was a strategic move to safeguard national cohesion at a sensitive moment for Odinga’s supporters.
At the same time, Gachagua said he continues to enjoy goodwill in the Nyanza region, recalling past visits alongside President Ruto where he received a warm reception.
On his delayed visit to Odinga’s home, the former DP said he had already conveyed his condolences to Ida Odinga and is awaiting an invitation before travelling to Bondo, citing respect for cultural norms.
