KISUMU, Kenya — Kisumu County Bunge La Wananchi has criticised former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua over his continued remarks about the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, accusing him of using the late opposition leader’s death to advance his political interests ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The civic group urged Gachagua to respect Raila’s legacy and family and stop drawing the public into speculation over the circumstances surrounding his death.
Raila died in October 2025 while receiving medical treatment in India, leaving behind a political legacy that continues to shape national politics, particularly in the Nyanza region.
Speaking to journalists in Kisumu on Wednesday, Bunge chairman Salim Onyango accused Gachagua of politicising Raila’s death in an attempt to influence the political direction of the Luo community ahead of the next elections.
“Gachagua is politicising the death of Raila for his selfish political gain,” Onyango said.
He alleged that the former Deputy President was seeking to exploit emotions surrounding Raila’s death to weaken the Luo community’s support for President William Ruto.
Onyango urged politicians to keep Raila’s family and legacy outside their political battles, saying continued discussion of his death was reopening wounds among his supporters.
“It is my appeal to politicians to stay away from discussing Raila, who commanded respect among Kenyans during his time,” he said.
Bunge challenges Gachagua’s remarks
The criticism follows recent remarks by Gachagua in which he raised questions about the circumstances surrounding the deaths of Raila, former Chief of Defence Forces General Francis Ogolla and former Emurua Dikirr MP Johana Ng’eno.
Gachagua has questioned aspects of Raila’s final medical treatment and funeral arrangements and called for greater transparency over what happened before his death.
The former Deputy President has also been using his national political engagements to build support for his Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) as political realignments accelerate ahead of 2027.
In Kisumu, however, Bunge members accused him of seeking publicity by repeatedly raising questions about Raila’s death.
Evans Ofula, another member of the group, said Gachagua’s remarks amounted to political hypocrisy, given his previous criticism of Raila.
“The same Gachagua who demeaned Raila and called him names is now demanding to be told what killed him. That is hypocrisy that should not be entertained,” Ofula said.
Ofula said Raila’s death remained painful for his supporters and warned politicians against reigniting emotions surrounding the former Prime Minister’s passing for political purposes.
‘Let Baba rest in peace’
Caroline Olwande, speaking on behalf of women in the Bunge, said continued political references to Raila were causing additional pain to his family and supporters.
“How I wish they know the pain they are causing Kenyans; just let Baba rest in peace,” Olwande said.
The group said the debate surrounding Raila’s death should not become a political campaign tool as parties seek to consolidate support in Nyanza and other parts of the country.
The remarks reflect the continuing sensitivity surrounding Raila’s death in Kisumu, where he enjoyed substantial political support for decades.
Bunge backs Vision 2060
Away from the political dispute, Kisumu Bunge La Wananchi welcomed President Ruto’s proposed Vision 2060 development framework, describing it as an opportunity to establish a long-term national development agenda extending beyond the current generation.
Onyango said Kenya should learn from the shortcomings experienced under Vision 2030 and bring together different sectors of society to ensure the new framework succeeds.
“Building on the challenges that faced Vision 2030, the country should pull together to make Vision 2060 a success,” he said.
Ofula said the proposed vision should be treated as a project for future generations rather than a political programme tied to the current administration.
“Even President Ruto will not be there to witness the fruits of Vision 2060, but he is laying a firm foundation for our children and grandchildren to get a better Kenya,” he said.
The Bunge also requested a meeting with President Ruto at State House to discuss development, national unity and Kenya’s long-term economic growth.
The criticism of Gachagua comes as political parties and leaders intensify efforts to build alliances and consolidate regional support ahead of the 2027 General Election.
