Former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga, on Saturday, May 13, Shot staright from the hip at the Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua over a government directive issued over Mukami Kimathi’s state funeral.

While addressing the mourners in Nyandarua County, Raila argued that deputy president Rigathu did not order the flags in the country to be flown half-mast as is the nation’s norm during state funerals.

Alternatively, he called on the government to ensure that Mukami’s last wishes – of being reunited with her husband are met.

“Gachagua stated that we would have a state funeral, and I want to remind the government that we do not have flags at half-mast.

“She had wished that on the day of her funeral, the remains of her husband be removed from Kamiti Maximum Prison and brought to her. I hope that the government will look at that,” Raila added.

He also delivered the condolences of Uhuru Kenyatta, Kenya’s former President, and party leaders, Kalonzo Musyoka and Martha Karua.

“With me here also are Jubilee secretary general, Jeremiah Kioni and your (Mt Kenya) son, Maina Njega,” he stated, steering clear from addressing Njenga as former Mungiki leader.

He further defended the protests led by Azimio, likening them to the fight for independence by Mau Mau.

“There are two types of violence, oppressive violence, which the system uses against the people, and aggressive violence, which people use to defend themselves against oppression.

“When police chase away innocent people protesting it is called oppressive violence. When people defend back with stones, it is aggressive violence. It is not equal,” Raila asserted.

In his speech, the ODM boss identified Ruto as his friend rather than brother and classified Gachagua, Mudavadi and all other leaders as mourners.

He further hit out at Nyandarua Senator John Methu for ridiculing him over his demands to open the election servers. He expressed that he would find a solution to his stalemate with Ruto – who he described as his friend.

“I hear the senator saying that he opened the server. Who told him to do that? I have worked with William Ruto and he knows me very well. We shall talk with him (Ruto),” he stated.