Wiper Patriotic Front Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka on Thursday visited Opoda Farm and Kang’o Ka Jaramogi in Bondo to pay his last respects to former Prime Minister Raila Amollo Odinga, describing him as “a brother, comrade, and the father of Maandamano.”
Kalonzo, who shared a political friendship with Raila spanning over two decades, recalled their enduring partnership through Kenya’s most turbulent political seasons.
“We went through a lot with this man lying here. During the Okoa Kenya demonstrations, I remember how we narrowly escaped a targeted death. Had it not been for the armoured vehicle he used, we would have buried him in 2023. We counted literally 10 bullets targeting him. He was the target for elimination. But we stood together through thick and thin to save this country,” Kalonzo said.
The Wiper leader lauded Raila’s lifelong struggle for democracy, justice, and accountability, saying the ideals he championed will still resonate with tomorrow’s generation.
“Raila and I fought side by side to build a democratic and respectable Kenya. The people of Kenya will still resist bad governance, and that is Raila’s living legacy,” he noted.
In honour of the late opposition leader, Kalonzo called on the Machakos County Assembly to move a motion renaming the newly renovated Ithookwe Stadium in Kitui County to Raila Amollo Odinga Stadium.
“In his honour, I ask the Kitui Assembly MCAs to move a motion expeditiously to name the newly renovated Ithookwe Stadium Raila Amollo Odinga Stadium. Even Talanta National Stadium should be renamed after him because he loved sports, and he must be honoured that way,” he added.
The host governor, James Orengo, praised Kalonzo as one of Raila’s most loyal allies.
“Three times Kalonzo has supported Raila’s presidential bid. If there’s a principled man in Kenya like Raila Odinga, it is Kalonzo Musyoka,” Orengo said.
“Let us not experiment with power…That’s why Raila fought for the new constitution. I want to see anyone in Kenya who says he loved Raila more than Kalonzo.”
Kalonzo led a Kamba delegation comprising political, cultural, and religious leaders who first visited Mama Ida Odinga to express their condolences before proceeding to Raila’s graveside to lay a wreath in his honour.
“Even in death, Raila continues to unite Kenyans. His legacy and shadow will live forever,” Kalonzo said.
