Kalonzo visits Raila’s home in Bondo, declares him ‘more powerful in death’

Wiper Patriotic Front Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka on Thursday described the late Raila Odinga as “a man who lived and died for Kenya,” saying his influence would outlive him.

Mr Musyoka, who visited the Odinga home in Bondo, Siaya County, said he had come to honour his former Azimio co-principal as “a comrade in the struggle.”

Dressed in jungle-green fatigues and carrying a traditional shield and spear, the former Vice President led a delegation of leaders from Ukambani and Eastern Kenya.

“I am dressed literally to honour the father of maandamano,” said Mr Musyoka.

“We resisted, and Kenyans are still resisting bad governance.”

He recalled a moment in 2023 when, during protests, both he and Odinga escaped what he described as an assassination attempt.

“We counted 10 bullet attempts on my brother Raila Amolo Odinga,” he said.

“If he had not been in an armoured vehicle, we would have buried him in 2023.”

The incident he referred to took place during opposition protests in Nairobi, when police were accused of firing live bullets at demonstrators.

Mr Musyoka said the event proved the risk Mr Odinga faced in standing up for citizens.

At the graveside, he paid glowing tribute to the former Prime Minister, saying his spirit would continue to inspire Kenya’s youth.

“He will be more powerful in death than when he was alive,” said Mr Musyoka.
“Because he inspired the young Kenyans — he inspired the Gen Zs.”

The remarks drew applause from mourners who filled the compound at Opoda Farm. Many waved flags and chanted “Jowi! Jowi!” as Mr Musyoka spoke.

He also rejected claims that had in the past associated the Odinga family with dark practices.

“Nobody should ever use those names again or associate the Odinga family with Uchawi or Uganga,” said Mr Musyoka.

“On my part, I have never worked with Uganga or Uchawi.”

The former Vice President said he was honoured to have fought political battles alongside Mr Odinga, describing him as a champion of democracy and devolution.

“We went to the trenches to give this country a good, reputable and democratic nation,” he said.

Mr Musyoka and his delegation--which included Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti and Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr.--also presented 150 heads of cattle to the Odinga family as a sign of solidarity.

Later, Raila Odinga Jr., speaking on behalf of the family, thanked the visitors and said his late father’s legacy belonged to all Kenyans.

“Our father was a Pan-Africanist and a national leader,” said Mr Odinga Jr.

“He welcomed everyone, and we as a family will continue that tradition.”

Political analysts say the visit signalled unity within the Azimio coalition and reaffirmed Mr Musyoka’s position as one of Mr Odinga’s closest allies.

As mourners sang freedom songs, the former Vice President’s words echoed through the homestead--a reminder that the opposition’s spirit of resistance, as he said, “will never die".