NAIROBI, Kenya – Suna East MP Junet Mohammed has explained why he skipped the first anniversary of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s death, saying the invitation extended to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua influenced his decision to stay away.
Junet, the National Assembly Minority Whip, made the remarks on Friday, October 16, 2026, while accompanying President William Ruto during his tour of West Pokot County.
The legislator said he decided against attending the October 15 commemoration in Bondo, Siaya County, after seeing Gachagua’s name on the list of guests invited by Raila’s widow, Mama Ida Odinga.
Junet maintained that he was unwilling to share the same space with Gachagua, invoking Raila’s legacy to explain his position.
“Jana niliona list ya wale walioalikwa na Mama Ida Odinga, nikaona mtu anaitwa Gachagua. Nikasema, siwezi kukaa mahali pamoja na Gachagua. Pia, spirit ya Baba haiwezi kukaa na Gachagua,” Junet said.
Translated, Junet said he saw Gachagua’s name on the invitation list and decided he could not sit in the same place as the former Deputy President, adding that Raila’s spirit could not coexist with him.
Junet’s Absence Puts Raila’s Political Legacy In Focus
Junet’s explanation comes amid continuing political debate over Raila’s legacy and the relationships between leaders who occupied different sides of Kenya’s political divide.
Raila died on October 15, 2025, while receiving medical treatment in India.
The first anniversary commemoration was held at Migwena Cultural Grounds in Bondo, bringing together members of the Odinga family, political leaders and supporters to remember the former Prime Minister’s contribution to the country’s political history.
The event also drew attention to the guest list and the absence of several prominent political figures, with Junet’s remarks adding another dimension to the discussion.
His comments indicated that Gachagua’s invitation was a factor in his decision not to attend, despite the gathering being organised to honour Raila’s life and legacy.
Why Gachagua Also Missed The Anniversary
In a statement, Gachagua thanked Ida for the invitation and said his absence was due to prior commitments abroad.
“I was not able to attend since I am away in the United States of America on a programme that was pre-planned,” Gachagua said.
He also defended the sincerity of his previous praise for Raila and Ida.
“Those words about Raila and Mama Ida came from my heart, and I meant every word,” he added.
The separate explanations from Junet and Gachagua have brought renewed attention to the political relationships surrounding Raila’s memory, as leaders continue to express differing views on the former Prime Minister’s legacy and those associated with it.
