Karungo wa Thang’wa slams govt for denying Kalonzo chance to speak at Raila’s state funeral

Nancy Marende 18th October, 2025 07:41 AM

Kiambu senator Karungo wa Thang’wa.PHOTO/@KarungoThangwa/X

Kiambu Senator Karungo wa Thang’wa has criticized the government for denying former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka a chance to speak during the state funeral of the late Raila Odinga at Nyayo Stadium.

In a statement on Friday, October 17, 2025, Karungo expressed disappointment over what he termed as political pettiness, arguing that Kalonzo and Martha Karua deserved the opportunity to address mourners given their long and loyal association with Raila.

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“Former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka was closer to the late Raila Odinga than Ruto ever was. Martha Karua too was not just a friend but his running mate and a loyal partner in the long struggle for justice and democracy,” Karungo said.

He accused the government of hypocrisy, noting that while President William Ruto once referred to Raila as “Mganga,” those who truly stood with him were sidelined during the national farewell.

“The most honourable thing the Ruto regime could have done was to give them space to mourn their friend and to speak to the nation that Baba dedicated his life to serving,” he added.

Kiambu Senator Karungo wa Thang’wa’s statement on Friday, October 18, 2025. PHOTO/ A screengrab by K24 Digital of posts by @KarungoThangwa/X

Speaking at Nyayo Stadium tadium on October 17, 2025, Kaonzo expressed disappointment that the opposition, which had walked with Odinga through the years of political struggle, was not formally recognised.

“Our brother has taken a final bow, but the struggle continues. Unfortunately, this is a state funeral. They should have recognized the official opposition to say something. That is what Rial would have liked,” he said.

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Kalonzo lamented how even the leaders were introduced, which he said was barely audible.

“Even the DP announced our names with his usual small voice; nobody could hear. We must give Raila the most dignified sendoff,” he added.

Reflecting on Raila’s enduring political journey, Kalonzo paid tribute to his courage, resilience, and commitment to justice.

“We have shared the great pain of the stolen election with all of us. We were down for our people. This struggle continues, and I am happy that nobody today calls Raila ‘mganga’ or ‘mtu wa vitendawili’. His daughter Winnie called him what he truly was, an enigma.”