KISUMU, Kenya, October 22nd – ODM Chairperson Governor Gladys Wanga led the party’s top leadership in issuing a strong warning to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, urging him not to enter Bondo to pay his last respects to the late Raila Odinga.
The leaders expressed concerns regarding reports that Gachagua and his team were planning to pay homage to Raila’s visit to Kang’o Kajaramogi, where the former prime minister was buried on Sunday, October 19, 2025.
“We urge Gachagua: never, ever step into Bondo. Don’t step into Bondo,” they insisted.
This warning follows controversial comments made by Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga, which appeared to celebrate Raila’s death during a funeral service in Kieni Constituency yesterday.
The ODM leaders criticised Kahiga’s remarks and called on Gachagua to restrain his allies from making inflammatory statements filled with tribal bigotry and chauvinism.
“They continue to target Raila, even in death. We want to remind them that their memory is short; we have been out of government for a long time, yet we have always been here,” remarked Wanga, who is also the Governor of Homa Bay.
She emphasised that the only government that has fully recognised their community is that of President William Samuei Ruto.
The ODM leaders firmly stated, “The line has been drawn. We will not seek friendship with Gachagua and his supporters because we are aware of a recent meeting involving Gachagua, Kahiga, and their allies that resulted in the inflammatory statements.”
They affirmed that the Luo community has no issues with their Kikuyu counterparts.
“We marry them, we work with them, and we associate with them. We have friends throughout the Mount Kenya region,” they stated.
The leaders, including Nyando MP Jared Okello, County Assembly Speaker Elisha Oraro, and ODM Kisumu region Vice Chair Seth Kanga, declared that as the 2027 general elections approach, they remain committed to the broader coalition formed by Raila.
“Anyone harbouring ambitions of approaching us must know that the time for negotiations is long past. We are not ready for any further associations, except with this government,” said Hon. Kanga, who is also the Market Millimani Ward MCA.
They reiterated that the country continues to benefit from Article 10 of the Constitution, promulgated in 2010, which was achieved through the efforts of Raila.
“These foundational principles underpin the Constitution’s commitments to equality, equity, and affirmative action across the nation.”
They also called for the immediate resignation of Governor Kahiga as the Vice Chair of the Council of Governors.
As of the time of going to press, Kahiga had resigned from his COG post in a media briefing earlier today.
The leaders urged ODM party members to remain calm as they navigate this situation thoughtfully.
“Currently, we are still in mourning and will determine the way forward regarding party leadership and other matters after the relevant organs have met,” they concluded.
