Kiambu Senator Karungo wa Thang’wa has explained why former DP Rigathi Gachagua, aka Riggy G, skipped the burial ceremony of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
According to Thang’wa, Gachagua was absent, not out of disrespect, but a sign of deep respect and emotional intelligence.
He said Gachagua chose to stay away so that the focus could remain on Raila’s legacy and not politics.
“Kenya does not stop when Riggy G chooses silence,” Thang’wa said. “It listens even more closely.”
The senator noted that if Gachagua had attended, attention would have shifted from honouring Raila to political debates.
“He knew his presence alone would have changed the tone of the day,” he said.
Thang’wa praised Gachagua for showing restraint and said it was an act of statesmanship.
He also revealed that Gachagua plans to honour Raila privately by visiting his resting place in Bondo and laying a wreath.
Thang’wa further noted that the public reaction to Gachagua’s absence showed how influential he remains in national politics.
“The fact that people talked more about who was not at the ceremony than who was there says a lot,” he said.
Raila Odinga passed away on October 15 in India while receiving treatment. He was buried on October 19, at a State Funeral attended by President William Ruto, family, and dignitaries.
By Nyaguthie Kahara.
It’s the least he could have done. Political shift is real.
Aliogopa wajaluo