Will Gachagua Visit Raila's Grave? Sister In Law Meets Mama Ida Odinga

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has been a conspicuous absentee from both the burial of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and the visits by political leaders to his gravesite at Kang’o Ka Jaramogi.

However, on Wednesday, signs emerged that there is no animosity between Gachagua’s camp and the Odinga family after his relatives and close allies paid a visit to the late premier’s home.

Gachagua’s sister-in-law, Margaret Nyokabi, became the latest prominent figure to visit Raila’s resting place amid the continued silence from the Democracy for Citizens (DCP) party leader.

Margaret Nyokabi, the first widow of the late former Nyeri governor Nderitu Gachagua, alongside Mama Ida Odinga, on Wednesday, October 29, 2025. /AZIMIO TV

Nyokabi, the first widow of Gachagua’s late elder brother and former Nyeri Governor Nderitu Gachagua, led her family in honoring Raila, who died of cardiac arrest on October 15.

"Widow of the 1st Governor of Nyeri County, the late Hon. Nderitu Gachagua Mama Margaret Nyokabi, and her daughter Mercy were at Opoda farm in Bondo today to give pole to Mama Ida Odinga and family following the passing of Baba Raila Odinga on the 15th of this month," the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) stated while acknowledging the visit.

During the visit, Nyokabi laid a wreath at Raila’s grave and observed a moment of silence before proceeding to Raila’s home, where she met and shared a brief conversation with his widow, Mama Ida Odinga.

Her gesture was widely interpreted as an act of goodwill and reciprocity, given that Raila had personally attended Nderitu Gachagua’s funeral in 2017 despite intense political rivalry at the time, where he described the late governor as “a dedicated public servant.”

On the same day, Gachagua’s close allies — Kiambu Senator Karungo wa Thang’wa and Nyandarua Senator John Methu — also paid a condolence visit to acting ODM Party Leader and Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga at his Nairobi residence.

In a statement, Thang’wa said the purpose of their visit was “to extend our condolences to Senator Oburu following the loss of his brother,” noting that they also presented him with two sheep as a token of respect.

While ODM leaders such as Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga had earlier cautioned Gachagua and his allies against visiting Bondo, Raila Junior has since made it clear that all Kenyans are welcome to pay their respects.

“I used to be just a family member here, but now I stand as one of the elders. As we mourn, we welcome everyone, the entirety of Kenya; this home is open to all who wish to honour Raila. We do not stop anyone from coming to pay their last respects in this home,” Raila Junior said at the gravesite on October 25.

Last week, Raila Junior was formally installed as the new head of the Odinga family in a traditional Luo ceremony.

Meanwhile, Rigathi Gachagua himself has maintained a low profile since Raila’s death, making only two public appearances since October 15 — first to celebrate his wife, Pastor Dorcas Rigathi, and later during a church service in Lang’ata on October 26, where he refrained from making any public remarks.

Whether Gachagua will personally visit Raila’s grave remains uncertain. But with his allies and family members now having been warmly received, observers believe he may take this as a signal that the ground is welcoming.