Wamuzi News Ke
The absence of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua from the state funeral of Raila Odinga has prompted sharp speculation. Today, his camp issued an official explanation, drawing clear lines between protocol breach and political calculus in one of Kenya’s most watched transitions.
According to his adviser, Gachagua skipped the public farewell on Friday not out of disrespect—but because of state-protocol timing and security restrictions imposed during the event.
Official Explanation: Protocol, Timing, and Strategic Distance.
The deputy president’s absence, confirmed in his X (formerly Twitter) statement on Wednesday and followed by the internal briefing of his camp, cited three main factors:
(1) The funeral entry sequence placed President William Ruto as the final dignitary, traditionally signifying the highest ranking;
(2) Gachagua anticipated official duty assignments during the service that conflicted with his schedule, making attendance logistically unviable; and
(3) His political aides maintain that absence was a deliberate demonstration of statesmanship, avoiding what could have been perceived as a rival’s public posture. In the absence of a detailed public statement ahead of the event, speculation ran rife: The two leaders had clashed previously over the 2022 elections and budget oversight, with Odinga accusing Gachagua of tribal bias and Gachagua in turn alleging Odinga’s partisanship. —
Political Ramifications in Real Time.
The deputy president’s decision to stay away has deep and immediate implications:Symbolic Messaging: His absence removes him from the front row of Kenya’s grief narrative, potentially affecting how his commitment to national unity is publicly viewed.
Liberty in Positioning: By not appearing alongside other senior opposition and national figures at the stadium, Gachagua retains maneuvering space in coalition negotiations and regional positioning.Possible Strategic Calculus: Some analysts suggest the move may reflect his positioning ahead of 2027 realignment—maintaining distance from the Odinga-Ruto axis without appearing disengaged.
Public Perception Hazard: In a moment when mourning is national, absence may be interpreted not as strategic quietude but as evasion—especially in Odinga strongholds.
