Gachagua, Kalonzo to visit Raila’s grave as more bigwigs line up to pay final respects

Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka is expected on Thursday to lead a powerful opposition delegation to Bondo to pay their last respects to former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

The Star has established that the delegation will consist of leaders from Mt Kenya and Ukambani, as well as top guns of the United Opposition.

There was a strong indication on Sunday that DCP boss Rigathi Gachagua will be part of the delegation to Bondo.

According to Odinga family sources, the opposition team has communicated their intention to visit Jaramogi Oginga Odinga’s home in Kang’o Ka Jaramogi, where Raila was laid to rest last month in a ceremony attended by thousands.

Gatanga MP Edward Muriu–a close confidant of the former DP–did not however, deny or confirm.

“We are going as the United Opposition. We are still planning, and by tomorrow [Monday], the picture will be clearer,” Muriu told the Star on the phone.

“The plans are underway.”

If he makes it on Thursday, then it would be the first time the former Deputy President will be paying his last respects to the veteran opposition chief who died on October 15 while undergoing treatment in India.

Gachagua was a no-show at Kasarani Stadium, Parliament Buildings and Nyayo Stadium, where there was public viewing of the body of the ODM boss.

He was also absent during the burial of Raila Odinga in Kang’o Kajaramogi on October 19.

Gachagua, however, made a moving tribute to Raila on social media on the day the ODM leader died, describing him as the father of Kenyan democracy and the country’s second liberation.

Gachagua’s planned visit is seen as a symbolic gesture of reconciliation, coming days after he lauded Raila’s style of leadership, commending his political strategy and the enduring strength of the ODM party.

“Look at the political party he built called ODM; a strong political party that, though he was never elected president, he was able to get into every government and get what he wanted because he had a strong political party,” Gachagua said on Saturday during the Ngemi ya Watho festival hosted by the legal fraternity from the Gema region in Thika

Gachagua’s presence in Bondo, a region historically aligned with the opposition, is expected to send a strong message of national healing and posthumous honour to the fallen statesman.

Speaking during Saturday’s function, Wiper leader also confirmed the plans to visit Bondo, rallying the Mt Kenya leaders to join the team travelling to Siaya on Thursday.

"Those of you able, let us go to Bondo next Thursday in a style like no other. There is no way William Ruto and his ilk can pretend to mourn Raila Odinga. Those of us who feel that we have a true inheritance in the 2010 constitution, let us all go to Bondo,” Kalonzo said on Saturday during the Ngemi ya Watho festival.

“People will carry with them cows, goats, and we will also celebrate our culture, and join our brothers and sisters from the Lake region."

Kalonzo, a long-time ally and one-time running mate of Raila, is expected to make an emotional return to the Odinga homestead, where he stood beside Ida Odinga during the funeral rites.

Sources within Wiper say the former Vice President intends to lay a wreath and deliver a personal message to the family, reaffirming his commitment to continue Raila’s reform legacy.

Raila was eulogised as a transformative leader and champion of democracy.

His Bondo home has since turned into a pilgrimage site, attracting thousands of supporters, leaders, and admirers who continue to pay homage to his lifelong struggle for justice and equality.

Bigwigs who have visited after the burial include retired President Uhuru Kenyatta, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, Kanu chairman Gideon Moi and several elected leaders from across the political divide.

Ghana’s former President Nana Akufo-Addo was also in Bondo last week.

On Saturday, doctors from India's Ayurvedic Eye Hospital and Research Centre visited Bondo to honour Raila.

Later on the day, Chief Justice Martha Koome led a delegation from the Judiciary to Bondo.

Security around the homestead remains tight.