(BONDO, KENYA) – Former President Uhuru Kenyatta cancelled a trip to Bondo to attend the first anniversary memorial of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga following security concerns.
Kenyatta’s advance team had already arrived in Bondo and his seat had been reserved on the VIP dais. His plane was also ready to depart from Wilson Airport in Nairobi on Thursday morning, but he did not show up.
His spokesperson Kanze Dena-Mararo said there was a change of schedule and a matter that required attention, without giving further details.
However, the event turned into a platform for political wrangling as leaders differed over Raila’s legacy and their relationship with President William Ruto.
ODM deputy leader Simba Arati accused Uhuru of funding the opposition, while Energy Minister Opiyo Wandayi asked residents of the area to support President Ruto.
Uhuru’s absence drew attention because of his political relationship with Raila, especially after their March 2018 handshake and his support for Raila’s presidential bid in 2022.
National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed said he did not attend because of the presence of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s name on the list of invited guests.
Gachagua did not attend either because he was in the United States.
Raila’s widow, Ida Odinga, said the family had no grudge against those invited but who failed to attend. However, she criticised acts of booing, shouting and intimidating guests during the event.
Ida warned against turning Raila’s burial site into a arena for political battles, saying his legacy is bigger than differences between leaders.