Kalonzo finally granted opportunity to speak at Raila Odinga’s farewell
Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka has finally been allowed to eulogise the late ODM leader Raila Odinga during his burial ceremony in Siaya County on Sunday, October 19, 2025.
Kalonzo had raised concern over the sidelining of the united opposition leaders during the requiem mass held at Nyayo National Stadium.
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Addressing mourners on Sunday, October 19, 2025, in Siaya county during the burial ceremony of Raila, Kalonzo said that the ODM leader was a true leader and a nationalist whom he learned much from.
“Go well, my brother. We walked together in the political journey and in many things that I had a chance to. I have lost a brother. Your dream on Cannan is still on,”he paid his tribute.
At the same time, Kalonzo used the chance to recognise other opposition leaders such as People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua, who was Raila’s running mate during the 2022 elections, Former Interior and Education Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i and DAP-K party leader Eugene Wamalwa, among others.
Also watch: Cherargei tells Kalonzo not to complain over denied speaking chance
Speaking on Friday, October 17, 2025, after the requiem mass of the late premier, Kalonzo said it was inconsiderate of the government to avoid recognising them despite having built a rich history together with Raila Odinga.
“It is unfortunate because it is a state funeral; they should have recognised the official opposition to say something. That is what Raila Odinga would have wanted,” Kalonzo said.
He added that even the announcement by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki acknowledging their presence was barely audible.
“That is what Raila Odinga would have wished to happen. But you can see the way (DP) Kindiki tried to announce some of us, nobody could hear,” Kalonzo stated.
The Wiper boss is best remembered for being Raila’s running mate in the 2013 and 2017 general elections. They lost to former president Uhuru Kenyatta both times.
At the 2022 General Election, Kalonzo was one of the co-principals in the Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya coalition, with Raila the flagbearer.
Kalonzo was speaking after he cancelled his planned 10-day trip to the United Kingdom to attend Raila’s burial ceremony.
This comes even as Kenyans continue to raise eyebrows over the absence of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua in the event.
Many Kenyans who attended the requiem mass in Nyayo National Stadium carried national flags, portraits of the late leader, and wore T-shirts printed with his image to pay their final respects.
