Gachagua And Onyonka Exchange Political Truths At Funeral
News Updated: 13 May 2026 23:29 EAT
Political Leaders gathered at Don Bosco Catholic, Nairobi to join the family of the late Mama Teresa Nyaboke Omoke mother to Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka in the memorial mass.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Wednesday joined political leaders, relatives and mourners at the funeral service of the late Mama Teresia Nyaboke Omoke, the mother of Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka, in a ceremony marked by emotional tributes, reconciliation and political undertones.
“We have come with a handkerchief to wipe your tears because it’s part of our tradition as Africans,” Gachagua said.
The service attracted leaders from different political camps, including former Chief Justice David Maraga, as speakers praised the late matriarch for her discipline, generosity and integrity within the community.
“I did not have the privilege to meet your mother, but listening to her eulogy, she was a great woman, a woman of integrity,” Gachagua stated.
Gachagua used the occasion to explain how ordinary villagers identify trustworthy people, saying the late Mama Omoke earned enormous respect through her long service handling community finances.
“That lady lying here was a treasurer for a record 32 years. It is clear in everybody’s mind that her integrity was beyond question,” he said.
The former Deputy President also reflected on his life after impeachment, revealing that he had returned to living in his rural village and now viewed issues from the perspective of ordinary Kenyans.
“When I was removed from work, I was sent to a village called Wamunyoro. So I’m a villager,” Gachagua remarked.
Although church leaders urged politicians to avoid politics during the service, Gachagua hinted at unresolved tensions from his time in government and recalled how Senator Onyonka once landed him in trouble politically.
“Richard, your Senator, to his kinsmen, he put me in a lot of trouble,” he said.
Gachagua narrated an incident during the burial of former Trans Nzoia politician Victor Okoma in Kitale, where Onyonka sharply criticised President William Ruto while Gachagua served as Deputy President.
“He hammered my boss terribly about Adani and other things, and I was expected to admonish him. I didn’t,” Gachagua told mourners.
The former Deputy President revealed that his refusal to publicly rebuke Onyonka led to a lengthy reprimand from senior government figures, though he maintained he agreed with some of the senator’s criticisms.
“I was called and dressed down for one hour… but what he said was true, and I agree with it up to today,” he added.
The emotional high point of the funeral came when Senator Onyonka publicly apologised to Gachagua for supporting the 2024 impeachment motion that removed him from office.
“My mother told me to apologize to you because I impeached you. She didn’t know you were a good man. Neither did I. Now I know. I am so sorry,” Onyonka declared.
The Kisii Senator further denied claims that he benefited financially from the impeachment process, saying he rejected alleged attempts to influence him.
“I did not eat the money. They brought some to the house, but I refused,” he stated.
Onyonka also acknowledged several political allies who had stood with him during difficult moments, including former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i and opposition leaders allied to Raila Odinga.
“We knew he was going to be arrested at the airport. So we agreed we would stand with him,” Onyonka said while referring to Matiang’i.
The senator praised Maraga during his speech, describing him as one of the country’s most respected public figures and thanking him for attending the ceremony.
“Justice Maraga, I have no words for you. The most incredible judge Kenya has ever had,” Onyonka said.
Onyonka also reflected on the sacrifices his mother made after the death of his father nearly two decades ago, saying she single-handedly guided the family through hardship and education.
“Mom was a widow with us all along as these kids were going to school,” he said.
He further thanked relatives, siblings and political allies for standing with the family during the mourning period, promising to honour his mother’s wish of maintaining unity within the family.
“My mother told me to make sure that I’m there for you guys,” Onyonka stated while addressing family members.
Towards the end of his remarks, the senator shifted to national issues, arguing that Kenya needed reforms to address corruption, inequality and poor public services affecting ordinary citizens.
“We don’t hate anybody. We just think we can change the system where the winner takes it all,” he said.
Onyonka further criticised leaders who misuse public resources while neglecting struggling Kenyans who cannot afford quality healthcare or education.
“If medical services don’t work, it’s okay for them because they can afford to travel abroad. But what happens for those who cannot afford?” he posed.
Despite repeated political references throughout the funeral service, church leaders continually reminded speakers to preserve the sanctity of the occasion, prompting both Gachagua and Onyonka to apologise whenever their remarks drifted into politics.
“Father, I’m sorry, I was not politicking,” Onyonka said moments before concluding his speech.
Tags: DCP DCP Leader Rigathi Gachagua Dp Rigathi Gachagua Edit Editor's Pick Editors choice Fred Matiangi Kalonzo Musyoka Kisii County News Article Political Partys Political Science Political tensions Politics Richard Onyonka Rigathi Gachagua Signs Signs Media Kenya Limited Signs Tv Signsmedia Signstv Signstvkenya
Share this article
FELIX MAKONA
FACT FINDER AND DATA DRIVEN JOURNALIST. DATA MINING AT IT'S BEST. GET FACTS RANGING FROM MATTERS DISABILITY AND INCLUSION, POLITICS, ECONOMY, SPORTS AND GENERAL NEWS AROUND THE WORLD