NAIROBI, Kenya – As Kenya continues to mourn the death of ODM leader Raila Odinga, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has been making discreet political moves away from public view — a silence that has stirred both curiosity and criticism.
Sources close to the United Opposition reveal that Gachagua, the Democratic Congress Party (DCP) leader, has been hosting a series of strategy meetings at his Karen and Wamunyoro residences in recent days.
The closed-door sessions have reportedly brought together grassroots leaders and regional coordinators from across the country, signaling a quiet but deliberate political recalibration.
At the heart of these discussions, insiders say, is the upcoming Mbeere North parliamentary by-election scheduled for November 27, where the united opposition has fronted Newton Kariuki, popularly known as Karish, as its candidate.
The seat became vacant after President William Ruto appointed Geoffrey Ruku, the former MP, Public Service Cabinet Secretary.
Absence Raises Questions
Gachagua’s low profile has not gone unnoticed. He was conspicuously missing from Raila Odinga’s state funeral in Nairobi and also skipped the burial at Odinga’s rural home in Bondo, Siaya County.
His absence — in contrast to the strong showing by other opposition figures — has drawn sharp reactions from both sides of the political divide.
Government-allied politicians have accused the former Deputy President of hypocrisy, while some opposition supporters view his silence as politically calculated.
The criticism intensified after Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga, one of Gachagua’s close allies, made remarks widely interpreted as celebratory of Odinga’s death.
Kahiga was captured suggesting that President Ruto could now “stop diverting resources to Nyanza,” comments that ignited a storm of condemnation from ODM, Jubilee, and other opposition-leaning leaders.
Pressure Mounts for a Response
Gachagua’s quiet reemergence has drawn attention partly because of his absence from Odinga’s funeral ceremonies, both in Nairobi and at Opoda Farm in Bondo.
While some politicians criticized his no-show, allies say he has preferred to mourn privately.
Indeed, the former DP paid tribute to Raila Odinga on X soon after the announcement of his death on October 15, describing the ODM leader as a “towering statesman who shaped Kenya’s democracy.”
Baba Raila Odinga, may you rest well. To the family, your spouse Mama Ida Odinga and your children, my family and I join you in prayer during this difficult moment. My deepest sympathies to you and to the people of the Republic of Kenya.The enigma Baba, the father of our
Additionally, the united opposition leadership, in a joint statement, denounced Kahiga’s comments as “insensitive and unbecoming of a national leader,” urging all politicians to respect the period of mourning.
While Gachagua did not respond personally, sources close to him insist he supported the coalition’s collective statement and wanted to “avoid politicizing grief.”
With the Mbeere North by-election looming and new political alignments forming, Gachagua’s behind-the-scenes coordination may mark the start of a broader comeback — one rooted less in rallies and more in quiet consolidation.
