Senator Richard Onyonka publicly apologised to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua for supporting the impeachment motion that removed him from office.
The apology was made on Wednesday during the requiem mass of Onyonka’s mother, Teresiah Nyaboke, held at All Saints Cathedral.
Speaking before mourners and political leaders, the outspoken senator admitted that he had strongly backed Gachagua’s removal at the time but now believed he had misjudged him.
According to Onyonka, his late mother had advised him to seek forgiveness from Gachagua for what she described as “crucifying” the former deputy president politically.
“I didn’t know you were a good man. Now I know, and I am so sorry,” Onyonka said during the emotional address.
The remarks drew attention from mourners and political observers, especially given Onyonka’s previous criticism of Gachagua during the height of the impeachment battle.
In response, Gachagua reacted in a light-hearted manner and recalled an earlier political encounter they shared at a funeral event in Trans Nzoia County.
The former deputy president narrated how Onyonka had openly criticised President William Ruto over several issues, including the controversial Adani deal, while he remained silent during the gathering.
Gachagua said that when he later addressed the crowd, he avoided attacking Onyonka despite pressure from allies within government.
According to him, some of President Ruto’s associates later called him and questioned why he had failed to confront the Kisii senator publicly.
The former deputy president revealed that he defended Onyonka at the time, arguing that the senator had only spoken what many people already believed to be true.
The apology comes amid growing political realignments ahead of the 2027 General Election, with several leaders previously allied to the Kenya Kwanza administration now publicly reassessing past political positions.
The development also follows recent remarks by Anne Waiguru, who apologised to Mt Kenya residents over political tensions linked to Gachagua’s impeachment.
Political analysts say the gestures could signal attempts by some leaders to reconnect with voters sympathetic to Gachagua, especially in regions where the former deputy president continues to command strong grassroots support.
Observers now believe the reconciliation tone emerging among some politicians may further reshape alliances and influence political calculations heading toward the 2027 elections.
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