Junet Mohamed
Suna East MP Junet Mohamed has claimed that former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua refused to greet him during a flight from London to Nairobi, describing the encounter as evidence of the former deputy president’s lingering political hostility.
Speaking during a press briefing on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, Junet alleged that Gachagua declined to acknowledge him when they found themselves travelling on the same British Airways flight from the United Kingdom to Kenya.
“Rigathi has transferred the hate he had for Raila to me. He hated Raila with a passion,” Junet said, linking the alleged incident to Gachagua’s long-running political differences with the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Junet said he attempted to initiate a conversation with Gachagua while on the plane but was rebuffed.
“The other day I was traveling with him in the same plane, British Airways, from London. He refused to greet me. He refused. I told him, ‘How are you, Mheshimiwa?’ and he said, ‘No, don’t greet me,’” Junet claimed.
According to the MP, he was surprised by the response and sought clarification over what he believed he had done to warrant such treatment.
“I told him, ‘What have I done?’ He said, ‘No, don’t greet me,’” Junet added.
The lawmaker further claimed that Gachagua’s wife, Pastor Dorcas Rigathi, intervened after the exchange, greeting him and appearing to encourage the two politicians to avoid escalating the situation.
“His wife, Dorcas, greeted me and told me, ‘No, no, no, just sit down,’” Junet recounted.
Junet concluded the anecdote by presenting it as an illustration of the political tensions surrounding Gachagua, who has remained an outspoken critic of President William Ruto’s administration since his removal from office.
The remarks come amid renewed political exchanges involving Gachagua and leaders associated with the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), following the death of Raila Odinga.
Gachagua’s relationship with Raila was marked by sharp political disagreements, particularly during the 2022 General Election campaign.
Junet, a close political ally of Raila, has in recent months remained active in defending the former opposition leader’s political legacy while engaging critics of the ODM camp.