Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka addressing a press conference in Kisumu/FAITH MATETEFormer Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua will not be among the Opposition leaders visiting Opoda Farm in Bondo on Thursday to pay their last respects to the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Wiper Patriotic Front Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, who is leading the delegation, confirmed that Gachagua intends to visit the Odinga homestead at a later date.
Speaking at a press briefing in Kisumu, Kalonzo said he had spoken with Gachagua on Wednesday night, and the former Deputy President assured him that he would come to Bondo when his schedule allowed.
“Riggy G and others will also look for time to come here and mourn with the Odinga family,” Kalonzo stated.
Despite Gachagua’s absence, Kalonzo emphasised that the
Opposition remains united.
“Martha Karua, George Natembeya, Eugene Wamalwa, Riggy G, and I are all united,” he said, noting that some leaders were currently occupied with preparations for the November 27 by-elections.
Kalonzo was accompanied to Opoda Farm by a wide-ranging delegation, including Ukambani clan elders, council of elders, professionals, bishops, MPs, former lawmakers, and Wiper Party officials.
“Today I have come to mourn my brother Raila Amollo Odinga, with whom we went to the trenches to give this country a good, reputable, respected democracy,” Kalonzo said.
He further described Raila as a leader committed to building a Kenya that young people could believe in.
Kalonzo also paid tribute to Raila’s legacy as the “father of maandamano,” noting that his struggle against bad governance continues to inspire Kenyans today.
Gachagua, who did not attend Raila’s state funeral on October 19, had earlier expressed his condolences through social media platforms, but his eventual visit to Opoda Farm is expected to provide a more personal tribute to the late ODM leader.
Meanwhile, Opoda Farm has continued to receive leaders and
dignitaries from across Kenya and the African continent.
Among the first to visit was Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, who led a delegation of Western Kenya leaders to celebrate Raila’s enduring legacy and offer condolences to the family.
Delegations from Kisii and Nyamira counties have also arrived, reflecting the breadth of Raila’s influence nationwide.
KANU chairman Gideon Moi and former Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo made a joint visit, demonstrating the continental respect Raila commanded.
Many visitors have described their trips to Opoda Farm as a “pilgrimage of gratitude,” an opportunity to honor Raila’s lifelong commitment to service, leadership, and humility.
The atmosphere at Opoda Farm remains both solemn and uplifting. Political leaders, traditional authorities, and community members continue to converge at the homestead and at Raila’s grave at Kang’o ka Jaramogi.
