Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has stated the reasons why he did not attend the State funeral service of Raila Odinga at Nyayo National Stadium nor his burial in Bondo.
Speaking during an interview at a local channel, on Wednesday, March 25, in the evening, the Democracy for Citizens Party leader said that there were alleged plans to attack him at both events.
According to the former Deputy President, he had initially planned to attend the funeral in Nairobi but opted out after receiving information about goons targeting him.
“I had planned to go to the Nyayo National Stadium, and I got information that some goons had been arranged to attack me so that it could create conflict between the Luo nation and the Kikuyu nation,” he said.
“I applied my mind as a senior politician and as a strategist, and I realised that it was a very important occasion for Raila Odinga and his followers. It would have been imprudent of me to seem like I had brought chaos into a very important and very solemn ceremony”, Rigathi Gachagua added.
He also said that he dismissed his lans to travel to Bondo for the burial for the same reason.
“I planned to go to Bondo. I also got information that in Bondo there were plans to attack me physically as a strategy to create a wedge between the Luo nation and the Kikuyu nation”
“What would have happened if I were attacked in Bondo, the Kikuyu nation would’ve felt very bad, and this would’ve created enmity with the Luo nation, who have nothing against me,” Gachagua further said.
However, he claimed that he enjoys goodwill in the Nyanza region.
The former DP noted that during a past visit with President William Ruto, he received a warm reception across Migori, Homa Bay, Siaya and Kisumu.
