NAIROBI, Kenya – Nyandarua Senator John Methu has told Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga to keep off former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, accusing her of politicizing the funeral of opposition leader Raila Odinga and spreading hostility against the former second-in-command.
Methu was reacting to a statement by Governor Wanga, who on Wednesday condemned Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga — a close ally of Gachagua — over remarks that were widely criticised as disrespectful to the late Raila.
Governor Kahiga had implied that Raila’s death would allow government resources to be redirected to the Mt Kenya region, a statement that triggered outrage among ODM leaders.
Wanga, responded by linking Kahiga’s comments to Gachagua, saying the Nyeri governor often speaks on his behalf.
“As far as I can tell, Kahiga doesn’t speak on his own. He acts as the voice of Rigathi Gachagua,” Wanga said, adding that the former Deputy President had previously made offensive remarks about Raila’s health.
She further accused Gachagua of failing to mourn Raila despite the former opposition leader having personally condoled with him following the death of his brother, the late Governor Nderitu Gachagua.
“To this day, Gachagua has not mourned Raila, yet Raila rose above political differences and personally paid tribute to Gachagua’s late brother,” Wanga said.
The Homa Bay governor declared that ODM “cannot be friends” with Gachagua or his allies, saying the party would disassociate from anyone aligned with him.
GLADYS WANGA, you’ve mentioned H.E. Rigathi Gachagua, EGH more than the accused in your statement. But what caught my attention was your statement that, Rigathi, his allies and his supporters cannot be your friends. I want to assume you meant your family, not your party…
‘Stop Dragging Gachagua’s Name’
In a rejoinder, Senator Methu accused Wanga of turning Raila’s state funeral into a political duel and urged her to “stop dragging Gachagua’s name” into ODM politics.
“GLADYS WANGA, you’ve mentioned H.E. Rigathi Gachagua more than the accused in your statement,” Methu said. “Who would want a character who can organise goons to hurt Rigathi Gachagua in a solemn national function such as the send-off of one of Kenya’s greatest sons, Raila Odinga?”
He added that the Constitution guarantees freedom of association — a right Raila fought for — and said ODM leaders had no authority to dictate who Gachagua associates with.
“One of the fundamental rights that Raila Odinga got us in the new Constitution is the freedom of association. We shall be friends with everyone, of course respecting your call for us to spare your family,” Methu said.
“You can hate Riggy G all you want, Gladys, but he responds with love,” he added.
Methu also noted that Governor Kahiga had since apologised and resigned as chair of the Council of Governors, adding that Raila “wouldn’t have condemned a whole community because of one person’s mistake.”
…Kahiga Mutahi has since apologised and resigned as the CoG chair. Raila the great wouldn’t have trolled a community just because one of them erred. Finally, every team has a Kaluma. Those chased by wisdom but God blessed them with speed. Even Mr. Wantam has Sudi and Kiberiti.
ODM Bars Gachagua from Bondo
The exchange came as ODM officials in Kisumu barred the former Deputy President from visiting Raila’s Bondo home, warning him not to attempt to “pay homage” to the late leader.
“We urge Gachagua — never, never, don’t step in Bondo,” ODM’s Kisumu vice chair said, aligning his remarks with Wanga’s position.
The party accused Gachagua of making “unfriendly” remarks towards Raila in the past and urged its supporters to remain calm as leaders address the matter “soberly.”
ODM bans Gachagua from stepping in Bondo
