Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has confirmed that former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua will soon visit Bondo to condole with Mama Ida Odinga following the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Speaking on Thursday, November 6, Kalonzo revealed that he had spoken with Gachagua and that plans were underway for him to pay his respects.
"Rigathi Gachagua will look for time and come to mourn our late brother Raila. I spoke to Gachagua last night and of course, as the United Opposition, we are now strategising on the upcoming by-elections, so some of them are very busy," he said.
Kalonzo visited Raila's gravesite at the Kang'o Ka Jaramogi where he paid his last respects and condoled with Mama Ida.
His visit comes days after Martha Karua led a group of women leaders to the Odinga family home at Opoda Farm.
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In a statement Monday, November 3, Karua reflected on her long friendship with Raila and Ida, recalling their shared experiences during Kenya’s struggle for democracy and justice.
The delegation included several prominent women leaders such as former Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu and Narc Kenya Secretary General Asha Bashir.
Karua described Raila as a comrade and patriot whose ideals must be carried forward.
"Today, accompanied by women leaders, we visited Ida Odinga and the Odinga family at Opoda Farm to express our condolences and solidarity following the passing of Raila Odinga. Mama Ida and I have shared many moments alongside Raila in the long and difficult journey of Kenya’s Second Liberation during the struggle for democracy, justice, and human dignity that defined our generation.
"As we mourn a comrade and a patriot, we also renew our commitment to the ideals he lived and fought for. His legacy reminds us that the work of liberation is not complete and it is upon us to carry it forward with courage and fidelity," she said.
Elsewhere, the confirmation of Gachagua's visit comes weeks after a section of ODM leaders issued a warning to Gachagua, cautioning him against visiting Bondo.
Speaking during a press briefing on Wednesday, October 22, ODM Kisumu Vice Chairperson Seth Kanga said Gachagua's visit is not welcome due to what he described as his past unfriendly remarks towards the party.
"We heard yesterday that Rigathi Gachagua and his team were supposed to pay homage to the home of Raila Odinga. We urge Gachagua not to step in Bondo. Don't step in Bondo, as your statements are not very friendly to us as ODM," he said.
However, Raila's son, Raila Odinga Jr. disagreed, stating that all Kenyans were invited to Kang'o Ka Jaramogi regardless of their status, tribe, or even political leaning.
"One thing I wanted to say, the last time I stayed here as an ordinary family member, but now as one of the elders of this home. As we mourn here, we welcome everyone, the entirety of Kenya.
"You are welcome to Kang'o Ka Jaramogi. We do not stop anyone from coming to pay their last respects in this home," he said.
