The absence of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua during the State Funeral of the late Raila Amolo Odinga at Nyayo National Stadium on Friday, October 17, 2025, has ignited widespread discussion and speculation across the country.
As thousands of mourners gathered — including President William Ruto, former President Uhuru Kenyatta, Kalonzo Musyoka, Martha Karua, Fred Matiang’i, Eugene Wamalwa, and Justin Muturi — many Kenyans were quick to notice the conspicuous absence of one of the nation’s most outspoken political figures.
Some political observers interpreted Gachagua’s no-show as a deliberate move, possibly stemming from years of strained relations with the late ODM leader. During the 2022 general election campaigns, Gachagua was among Raila’s fiercest critics, famously branding him a “State project” and accusing him of belonging to an elite class disconnected from ordinary Kenyans.
Even after the elections, Gachagua maintained his combative stance, frequently dismissing Raila’s calls for demonstrations and accusing him of seeking political favors through backdoor negotiations.
Ironically, Raila’s death came just as Gachagua marked the first anniversary of his own political downfall — his impeachment on October 17, 2024. Analysts suggest this timing may have influenced his decision to avoid public appearances during the funeral, wary that his presence might spark controversy or be perceived as insincere.
Others argue that Gachagua’s absence reflects his current political isolation following his fallout with President Ruto. Once a powerful deputy, he now stands outside the government’s inner circle — a position that could have made attending a state function dominated by Ruto and Raila allies uncomfortable.
Despite skipping the ceremony, Gachagua earlier issued a condolence message, describing Raila as a man who “sacrificed comfort and ambition for the freedom of others.”
Whether his absence was a calculated political choice, an act of quiet reflection, or simply a move to avoid tension, it underscored the deep and shifting dynamics of Kenya’s political landscape.
For many Kenyans, Gachagua’s no-show was not just about one funeral — it was a symbolic reminder of the fragile alliances and enduring rivalries that continue to define the country’s political story.