Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has announced that he is making final preparations for a visit to Opoda Farm in Bondo, a move he describes as both personal and nationally significant.
The visit is expected to take place shortly after the November 27 by-election, once ongoing consultations with the family of the late Raila Odinga are fully concluded.According to Gachagua, the decision to visit Opoda follows direct communication with members of the Odinga family, including Raila Odinga’s daughter, Winnie Odinga.
He noted that these discussions have been constructive, and that both sides have agreed on the timing and nature of the visit to ensure it respects the family’s current commitments and the political calendar tied to the upcoming by-election.Gachagua emphasized that the talks with Winnie and other Odinga family members were guided by mutual respect and a shared understanding of the political moment the country is experiencing.
He added that the agreement on the timing of the visit was reached after considering the sensitivities surrounding the aftermath of Raila Odinga’s passing and the ongoing political activities in the region.The former DP also revealed that the motivation behind the visit is partly influenced by counsel he has received from Agikuyu elders. The elders, he said, have urged him to deepen engagement with the Luo community as part of a broader strategy aimed at advancing national cohesion.
They believe that sustained outreach between Kenya’s major ethnic groups is necessary to promote stability, strengthen dialogue, and build trust ahead of the unfolding political season.Gachagua stated that the elders’ guidance aligns with his own political outlook, particularly at a time when Kenya is experiencing shifting alliances and renewed calls for unity.
He described the upcoming visit to Opoda as a deliberate step toward fostering understanding and political balance, noting that such gestures are essential for building inclusive national conversations.He added that cross-community engagement remains a cornerstone of his current political mission, especially as the country approaches a period of heightened political activity.
His team, he confirmed, is coordinating logistics to ensure the visit proceeds smoothly and respectfully.As the November 27 by-election approaches, Gachagua’s planned visit is already generating interest across political circles, with observers viewing it as a symbolic gesture that may contribute to shaping new political alignments.
For Gachagua, however, the focus remains on honouring the consultations he has held and strengthening the spirit of unity between communities long seen as political rivals.
