Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has announced plans to visit Bondo in early December, where he will join in mourning the late Raila Odinga.
Speaking in an interview on Sunday, November 16, the former DP pointed out the importance of engagement with the Luo community as part of efforts to foster unity.
Gachagua explained that elders have advised him to extend outreach to the Luo community, having already reached out to others.
"I will be visiting Opoda Farm with my big delegation to mourn the late Raila Odinga in the first week of December. I have been advised by elders that since we have reached out to all other communities, we should reach out to the Luo community and work together,' he said.
Gachagua further revealed that discussions with Raila's family have been positive, paving the way for a visit after the November by-election.
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"I have talked to Raila's daughter and his family, and we have agreed that I will visit Bondo after the November 27 by-election," he added.
Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka had confirmed that Gachagua would soon visit Bondo.
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 take 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.
Other leaders in the United Opposition have already visited Bondo to condole with Mama Ida and the larger Odinga family.
On November 6, Kalonzo visited Raila's gravesite at the Kang'o Ka Jaramogi where he paid his last respects and condoled with Mama Ida.
His visit came days after Martha Karua led a group of women leaders to the Odinga family home at Opoda Farm.
In a statement on 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.
