Tony Gachoka
By Njoroge David
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is facing mounting criticism for skipping the burial of Kenya’s iconic opposition leader Raila Odinga, a decision former Odinga Chief of Protocol Tony Gachoka has described as a major political misstep and a failure of leadership.
Odinga’s death on October 15 marked the end of an era in Kenyan politics. Widely regarded as the face of opposition for more than four decades, he was a five-time presidential contender, former prime minister, and the son of Kenya’s first vice president, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga.
His political journey spanned Kenya’s fight for multiparty democracy, the 2007 post-election crisis, the 2010 constitutional reforms, and the historic 2018 handshake with then-President Uhuru Kenyatta. To many, Odinga symbolized resilience, reform, and the power of dialogue across political divides.
Odinga’s burial on Sunday, October 19, at his ancestral home in Bondo, drew thousands of mourners — from sitting and former presidents to opposition leaders, clergy, civil society figures, and international dignitaries. The event, broadcast live nationwide, became a rare moment of unity and reflection for the country.
“It was an error of judgment. Not visiting Mama Ida, not attending the national event… it was out of character,” said Gachoka during an interview on Spice FM on Tuesday, October 21.
While the nation mourned, Gachagua reportedly celebrated his wife Dorcas’ birthday — a move that sparked public criticism.
“It was a failure of leadership,” Gachoka said. “This was a national gathering, and the government should have given the opposition space to speak. Raila would have wanted that — he believed even his critics should have a chance to be heard.”
He added that Gachagua skipped all public viewings and funeral services, even as other opposition leaders attended.
“Kenya’s political class put aside its differences to honour the man who defined our democratic struggle. For a leader who has never shied from the spotlight to miss that moment — the silence was deafening,” Gachoka remarked.
Social media reactions mirrored the nation’s divide. Some condemned the absence. “I expected to see Gachagua at Nyayo Stadium today, just like Kalonzo and others who paid their respects. Kalonzo showed true statesmanship,” wrote Samwel Wekesa on X. Others defended him, like Babji, who argued: “Gachagua showing up would have turned things sour. Staying away was the right thing.”
Gachagua has yet to issue an official statement. His allies, however, rushed to defend him. Kiambu Senator Karungo wa Thang’wa termed his absence “an act of dignified maturity.”
“His absence was not defiance or weakness,” Thang’wa said. “It was deliberate — a mark of emotional intelligence and respect for a moment bigger than politics. Even in silence, the nation felt his presence.”
Gachoka concluded by urging leaders to draw lessons from Odinga’s legacy. “Raila taught us that even in rivalry, you can talk. His life was about dialogue, courage, and the building of bridges. His death should remind us that Kenya’s strength lies in unity.”
