A section of leaders allied to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Wednesday morning paid a courtesy visit to Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga at his home, in what observers view as a symbolic gesture of unity amid rising political tension between leaders from the Mt Kenya and Nyanza regions.
Nyandarua Senator John Methu and Kiambu Senator Karungo wa Thang’wa arrived at Senator Oburu’s residence early in the morning, where they presented him with three white sheep, traditionally a sign of goodwill, purity, and reconciliation.
Photographs shared online showed the two senators handing over the sheep to Senator Oburu outside his home.
In a social media post, Senator Thang’wa did not disclose details of their discussions, stating only that the visit was meant to show respect and offer moral support to Oburu as he assumes a new leadership role within the ODM party.
“Early this morning, my brother Senator Methu and I paid a courtesy call to the Acting ODM Party Leader and our colleague in the Senate, Senator Oburu Odinga, at his home,” he said.
“We went to pay our respects and offer comfort, especially as he takes on the great responsibility of stepping into the late Raila Odinga’s shoes.”
The senators described Oburu as a seasoned statesman with vast experience, noting that their interaction offered valuable lessons on leadership and national unity.
Senator Methu echoed the sentiment, saying they wished Oburu well in his new role.
“We congratulated him on his new role as the party leader of ODM,” Methu said.
The visit comes in the wake of political tensions between some Mt Kenya and Nyanza leaders.
Political observers view the visit by the two senators as an attempt to ease tensions and promote goodwill between the two blocs, often seen as political rivals.
Sources indicated that the meeting might also be part of ongoing efforts to prepare for a possible visit by Rigathi Gachagua to Siaya.
Senator Oburu thanked his colleagues for the visit, describing it as a gesture of goodwill and national unity.
According to political sources, Gachagua is expected to visit Opoda Farm in the coming weeks.
Gachagua did not attend Raila’s burial, a move that drew mixed public reactions.
