DCP party leader Rigathi Gachagua has joined the faithful of the House of Grace church in Langata Road, Nairobi, amid speculation that he was headed to Opoda Farm.
In a statement on Sunday, October 26, 2025, the former deputy president expressed his delight at joining the Christian family for the day’s worship.
His presence at the place of worship quelled speculation that was rife across social media that he was headed to Opoda farm to pay his tribute to the late Raila Odinga and his grieving family.
The foregoing comes after the DP elected to maintain an eerie silence following Raila Odinga’s death on Wednesday, October 15, 2025.
The Opposition figure was conspicuously missing in Raila’s state funeral in Nairobi, and also gave his burial at Opoda farm in Bondo a wide berth.
A development that prompted a sharp divide across the political divide, with government-allied politicians castigating his action or lack thereof following the national tragedy.
Speaking on Gachagua’s failure to join the nation in burying Raila, Kiambu Senator Karungo wa Thang’wa, a close ally of the former Dp, came out strongly to defend him, saying Gachagua's silence was a mark of respect, not defiance.
In a statement, Karungo said Gachagua’s decision to skip the national farewell was deliberate and guided by emotional intelligence and statesmanship.
“Kenya does not stop when Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua chooses silence; it listens even more closely,” the senator wrote. He added that Gachagua’s absence should not be mistaken for indifference or fear, but for maturity and a deep understanding of the moment.
“His absence from Baba’s farewell was not an act of defiance, weakness, or guilt. It was a deliberate show of statesmanship, emotional intelligence, and deep respect for a moment that was bigger than politics.”
Karungo described the former Deputy President as one of the most influential leaders in the country, respected even by those who disagree with him. He said Gachagua understood that his presence at the funeral could have shifted attention away from Raila’s legacy and turned the day into a political spectacle.
“The day was not about politics, alliances, or rivalries. It was about Kenya coming together to honour a towering figure in our history,” Karungo stated.
According to the senator, Gachagua chose to step back so that the spotlight could remain on Raila’s life, sacrifice, and contribution to the nation. He said the former Deputy President’s quiet approach showed wisdom and respect.
Karungo also revealed that Gachagua plans to honour Raila in a personal way by laying a wreath at his resting place in Bondo, saying true respect is not about standing before cameras but bowing with dignity.
“When the right time comes, he will honour Raila, not before a sea of cameras, but in a deeply personal and respectful way, by laying a wreath at his resting place in Bondo,” he said.
“The fact that the country spent more time discussing who was not at Nyayo Stadium than who was present is proof of the Deputy President’s national significance.”
While missing on the ground, the Former Deputy President hailed Odinga, describing him as a towering figure in Kenya’s political and democratic journey.
In his message of condolence, shared through social media, Gachagua expressed his sympathy to Raila’s family, recalling the contribution the late leader made to the country’s political landscape.
He hailed Raila as a giant of democracy and a hero whose legacy will remain etched in Africa’s political history.
"Baba Raila Odinga, may you rest well. To the family, your spouse Mama Ida Odinga and your children, my family and I join you in prayer during this difficult moment. My deepest sympathies to you and to the people of the Republic of Kenya.
"The enigma Baba, the father of our democracy and a formidable hero of Kenya’s 2nd liberation, you stood tall and strong in intellect, knowledge and quest for democracy. You faced brutal regimes’ brutality, you were tortured, jailed, abducted and detained severally for Kenya. When the history of Africa’s Pan-Africanism is written, your chapter as the indefatigable lion of Africa will attract many readers," he said.
Gachagua reflected on Raila’s decades-long public service career, acknowledging his commitment and impact across various roles.
"You dedicated your life in the service of humanity: as a political activist, a Civil Servant, a University Lecturer, an MP, a Party Leader, a Cabinet Minister, a Prime Minister and many other fronts. On all these, your trail of success and impact remains indelible," he added.
Gachagua further noted that Raila’s voice and resilience would forever be remembered in the country’s fight for democracy and constitutional reform.
"Kenyans will not only remember your craft in resilience, persistence and democratic values days on but also your voice during difficult moments. It will be remembered that you were at the forefront in the fight for Kenya’s democracy and liberation of Kenya on many firsts.
"Most profoundly, Kenya’s multiparty democracy and the Constitution of Kenya 2010, a race you strongly stood in for and we the people of Kenya shall never forget," he further said.
Despite their political differences, Gachagua praised Raila’s ability to build and maintain a strong political movement over the years.
He concluded his tribute by honouring Raila as a national icon whose influence transcended politics.
"Much as we have never been on the same political side, I have had a strong admiration of Raila Odinga's art of forming and sustaining a strong political party that survived 4 general elections. I remain amazed by his choice of quality legislators to fly the party flag and eloquently articulate party policies and the people they represented. You are a hero celebrated home and away; you have not gone Raila Odinga, you have just faded away. Rest in peace Baba and may perpetual light shine upon you forever,".
