Gachagua says US programme kept him away from Raila memorial

Rigathi Gachagua says a previously arranged programme in the United States prevented him from attending the first anniversary commemoration of Raila Odinga’s death.

In a statement reported on 16 October, the former deputy president said Ida Odinga had invited him to the event in Bondo. His explanation places the absence in the context of his overseas schedule rather than announcing a political boycott.

Gachagua also reflected on Raila’s work in building a durable political organisation. He linked that example to his own efforts to develop Democracy for the Citizens Party.

The distinction matters because attendance at the memorial has attracted political interpretation as leaders compete over Raila’s legacy and the direction of the opposition before 2027.

An invitation and an explanation for absence do not establish an electoral agreement between Gachagua and other leaders who attended. His statement confirms the position he has chosen to put on record; it does not resolve the wider negotiations among opposition parties.