Suna East Member of Parliament Junet Mohamed has explained his absence from the first anniversary commemoration of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga in Bondo, Siaya County.
Speaking in West Pokot on Friday, October 16, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) lawmaker disclosed that he chose not to attend after seeing former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s name on the list of invited guests.
Junet expressed his unwillingness to share the same space with Gachagua, who leads the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), arguing that the former Deputy President’s presence made him uncomfortable attending the event.
Suna East Member of Parliament Junet Mohamed. Photo: Courtesy.
The legislator also criticised former President Uhuru Kenyatta for failing to attend the memorial, accusing him of abandoning Raila and his political allies during the 2022 General Election.
Junet questioned Uhuru’s reliability, drawing parallels between his absence during the 2022 election period and his failure to attend the first anniversary commemorations.
The remarks came a day after ODM members and other leaders gathered in Bondo to honour Raila, who died in October 2025.
Meanwhile, Gachagua confirmed that he had received an invitation from Raila’s widow, Ida Odinga, to attend the anniversary event but could not make it because he was in the United States on a previously scheduled programme.
The DCP leader thanked Ida for the invitation and described Raila as a defender of democracy and the rights of Kenyans.
Gachagua also recalled his remarks during Raila’s inauguration as Kenya’s candidate for the African Union Commission chairperson position, maintaining that his praise for the late opposition leader and Ida had been sincere.
He reiterated his belief that leaders should receive recognition for their contributions while they are still alive.
The exchange highlights continuing political tensions among leaders who previously operated within Kenya’s broader opposition political landscape.
