A Bondo-based man has written to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, challenging the DCP leader to use his planned visit to Opoda farm to mend long-standing political and ethnic tensions between the Kikuyu and Luo communities.
In an open letter obtained by Kenyans.co.ke, the man framed Gachagua's trip as an opportunity to reset relations, which have long been the subject of speculation in recent years.
Gachagua last week confirmed plans to visit the gravesite of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga during the first week of December, after remaining mum over the matter for weeks.
According to Gachagua, the visit was brokered after talks with Winnie Odinga, after a section of Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leaders warned him against heading to Bondo.
The letter notes that Gachagua's decision to travel to Bondo to pay respects to the late opposition leader Raila Odinga bore significant historical symbolism since such gestures can help break cycles of political hostility, which have over the years shaped the country's elections.
Further, the Bondo native highlighted Gachagua's past rhetoric during the 2023 protests, when Raila was well within the opposition. At the time, the then Deputy President famously said he would "personally send Raila back to Bondo".
"Now, Raila is permanently in Bondo, and it is extremely gracious of you to go to solemnly witness his final resting place. I am sure that this is not what you meant when you said you would send him to Bondo," the letter read.
While acknowledging Gachagua's influence in shaping government coalitions, the resident urged the former Deputy President to prioritise reconciliation over spectacle during the visit, particularly because his visit was likely to draw national attention.
He went on, “Forget about this running with cows and shouting Jowi. Please spare Pastor Dorcas the ritual of running with the spear.”
On the question of Gen Z's Gachagua was reminded of the broader responsibility he carried towards younger generations.
“This feud between two of the biggest communities in Kenya can derail this country. But at your high pedestal as a former Deputy President can be powerful and endure for generations," he added.
On November 1, Gachagua put his past transgressions with the late Raila aside as he praised the former prime minister as a political master who always found a way of winning even when on the brink of defeat, saying that he is also in the process of reinforcing his party to enable him to reach a similar level.
He also recently revealed he had plans to attend Raila's State funeral at the Kasarani Stadium on October 17, but had to stay away for his own safety.
