Kalonzo mourns Raila: Kenya has lost an exemplary leader, Africa has lost greatest son
Wiper Party leader and opposition leader Kalonzo Musyoka has paid an emotional tribute to the late Raila Amolo Odinga.
He has described him as “the president who won but was never declared and sworn into office.”
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In a detailed post on X released on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, from London, where he is on a 10-day official programme, Kalonzo said he received the devastating news of Raila’s death upon landing at Heathrow International Airport.
The ODM leader passed away earlier in the day in India, where he was receiving treatment, at the age of 80.
Kalonzo eulogised Raila as a fearless reformist, a man whose sacrifices shaped Kenya’s political landscape and paved the way for the freedoms enjoyed today.
“Baba was the longest-suffering political detainee in Kenya. His body bore the scars of bullets and batons, yet each time he was released, he raised his arms to the heavens in determination,” Kalonzo wrote.
He hailed Raila as the “Champion of Kenya’s Second Liberation”, recalling his central role in the struggle for multiparty democracy and the crafting of the 2010 Constitution. “My brother Raila played an instrumental role in devolving power from an imperial presidency to a people-centred constitutional order. For that, we owe him immense gratitude,” he said.
Reflecting on their long political journey, Kalonzo noted that he and Raila shared both triumph and pain in their pursuit of justice and unity.
The two leaders ran on joint tickets in the 2013 and 2017 general elections under the CORD and NASA coalitions and later worked together in the Azimio La Umoja movement during the 2022 polls.
“We learnt a lot from each other and shared a lot of pain together,” Kalonzo stated, adding that Raila’s resilience and commitment to democracy earned him admiration even among his fiercest critics.
He extended condolences to Raila’s widow, Mama Ida Odinga, and their children, assuring them of his family’s prayers and solidarity during the difficult period. “Kenya has lost an exemplary leader, and Africa has lost one of its greatest sons,” he said.
Kalonzo also announced that he was rearranging his schedule in the United Kingdom in honour of his fallen friend and political partner.
“May God rest the soul of Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga in everlasting peace,” the statement concluded.
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William Muthama
William Muthama is a digital journalist with a focus on entertainment, human interest, and current affairs. Share stories: [email protected]/ [email protected]
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