Kiambu Senator Karungo wa Thangwa, who happens to be former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's close ally, has come out to explain the latter's absence from Raila Odinga's state funeral held on Friday, October 17.
Gachagua was missing in action at the service held at the Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi, despite the attendance by his fellow opposition leaders led by Kalonzo Musyoka, Fred Matiang'i and Martha Karua.
The Democracy for the Citizens' Party (DCP) leader has missed all Raila funeral events including the public viewing sessions, sparking a series of mixed reactions from Kenyans.
However, Karungo wa Thangwa now says that the former DP's absence from Raila's farewell was not an act of defiance but a deliberate show of statesmanship and respect.
"Gachagua is not just another politician. He is one of the most consequential leaders of our time. It is precisely because of that stature that he chose not to attend the public farewell," the lawmaker stated.
According to the Senator, Gachagua's presence at the farewell could have changed the tone of the ceremony and shifted the focus from Odinga’s legacy to endless political speculations.
He went ahead to state that the former DP's decision to step back ensured that the spotlight remained where it truly belonged, on Raila's journey, sacrifice, and contribution.
"The day was not about politics, alliances, or rivalries. It was about Kenya coming together to honour a towering figure in our history," Thangwa explained.
Adding, " It was maturity. It was the kind of quiet leadership that puts the nation before the individual, and the moment before the microphone."
The Kiambu lawmaker further claimed that the decision by Kenyans to criticise Gachagua for his non-attendance depicted his significance in the country's political arena.
In his statement, the Senator explained that leadership is not about how loudly one speaks but is measured by understanding the weight of the moment and acting with wisdom.
"Gachagua does not need to stand on every stage to be at the centre of the story. His leadership speaks for itself, and even in silence, the nation feels his presence," Karungo claimed.
