- Calvince Gaucho, one of Raila Odinga's most vocal supporters, broke his silence over his absence at the late leader's first memorial
- Gaucho directed sharp criticism at the organisers of the Bondo event, accusing them of deliberately keeping loyal supporters away
- The firebrand activist also issued a warning to the Odinga family, urging them not to allow people who betrayed Raila to hijack his legacy
Calvince Gaucho, the self-described soldier of Raila Odinga, has finally addressed why he was absent from the late opposition leader's memorial in Bondo on 16 October 2026, and his explanation has set social media alight.
In an emotional TikTok video, Gaucho did not hold back, directing his frustration at the event's organisers, the Odinga family, and leaders he feels have tarnished the legacy of the man many Luos consider a generational hero.
Why Gaucho stayed away from the memorial
Gaucho said the decision to exclude what he termed as ordinary people from the event was what pushed him away.
From the moment organisers began circulating messaging that discouraged so-called "goons" from attending, he made up his mind to stay home.
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"Baba was a man of the people. He loved the small people, the people at the bottom," Gaucho said, adding that the entire framing of the event as a gathering for professors, doctors, and PhD holders made it clear there was no room for grassroots supporters like himself.
He argued that loyal supporters who show up at such occasions risk being profiled, harassed, and questioned about why they came, which he found deeply contradictory for a man whose appeal was rooted in the ordinary masses.
Gaucho's warning to the Odinga family
Beyond the logistics of the memorial, Gaucho aimed his strongest words at the Odinga family directly, urging them to protect Raila's legacy from people he said had betrayed the former Prime Minister during his lifetime.
He specifically called out figures like Martha Karua, saying those who once worked against Raila should not now be given platforms to mourn him publicly.
He was equally critical of what he described as a deliberate sidelining of individuals who stood with Raila through every political battle, naming figures such as Junet Mohammed and John Mbadi.
Gaucho also struck a pointed tone about President William Ruto, whom he praised for having stood by Raila "until the grave" and even constructing a mausoleum for him.
He argued that Ruto deserved an invitation to the memorial and went as far as suggesting that had he been invited, Raila's remembrance day could have been declared a national holiday.
In a broader message to young Luo men, Gaucho pushed back against the narrative that paints them as criminals, insisting the problem lies with political leaders who have failed to empower youth in areas like Kibra, Mathare, Korogocho, Kisumu, and Siaya.
He closed by declaring his continued support for President Ruto and called on Luo youth to think carefully about who truly has their interests at heart.
Watch Gaucho's full explanation in the video below:
Source: TUKO.co.ke