By MKT Correspondent
The air in Bondo was thick with emotion, reverence, and the echoes of history as Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka led a high-profile delegation to the home of the late former Prime Minister Raila Amollo Odinga. The gathering, held at Kang’o Ka Jaramogi, was more than a condolence visit—it was a moment of reckoning, remembrance, and raw emotion. Kalonzo, a long-time political ally and confidant of Raila, delivered a heartfelt tribute that peeled back the layers of their shared political journey, revealing moments of triumph, sacrifice, and near-death experiences that defined their bond.
Clad in jungle green and bearing a traditional spear and shield, Kalonzo’s symbolic entrance into the Odinga homestead was met with chants of “Jowi! Jowi!”—a Luo expression of honor and mourning. The delegation he led included governors, MPs, elders, clergy, and professionals from Ukambani and beyond, all united in grief and solidarity. But it was Kalonzo’s voice, trembling with emotion, that pierced through the solemnity of the occasion. “We almost got killed in 2023,” he declared, his words hanging heavy in the air. The crowd fell silent, absorbing the weight of his revelation.
He recounted the harrowing events of that year, when he and Raila stood shoulder to shoulder during the anti-government protests that swept across the country. The demonstrations, sparked by public outrage over the soaring cost of living, had drawn thousands into the streets. In Embakasi South, the protests turned violent. Kalonzo described how he and Raila narrowly escaped what he alleged was an assassination attempt. “It was like the orders were given that day to eliminate us,” he said, his voice cracking. “Mainly Raila, because he was the face of the resistance. But we were together. We were always together.”
The tribute was not just a recollection of danger—it was a testament to a political partnership forged in the crucible of struggle. Kalonzo spoke of Raila not just as a colleague, but as a brother. He recalled their shared vision for a more just Kenya, their battles against electoral injustice, and their unwavering commitment to the people. “Raila was not just a politician. He was a movement. A force. A conscience,” Kalonzo said. “He taught us that leadership is not about power, but about sacrifice.”
As he spoke, tears welled in the eyes of many in the crowd, including Mama Ida Odinga, who sat quietly, flanked by family members and close allies. The pain of loss was palpable, but so too was the pride in the legacy Raila had left behind. Kalonzo’s words painted a portrait of a man who had given everything for his country, often at great personal cost. “He was detained, vilified, betrayed—but he never gave up. He never stopped believing in Kenya,” Kalonzo said.
The 2023 protests, Kalonzo noted, were a turning point. “That day in Embakasi, we saw the face of tyranny. But we also saw the courage of ordinary Kenyans who stood up for their rights,” he said. “Raila and I made a vow that day—that no matter the cost, we would not abandon the people.” It was a vow that Kalonzo now carries alone, but with renewed determination. “I will not let his dream die,” he promised. “I will carry it forward, with all of you.”
The tribute also served as a subtle but powerful call to unity within the opposition. Kalonzo acknowledged the absence of some key figures, including former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, but emphasized that the struggle for justice transcended political affiliations. “Riggy G and others will come. They will mourn with us. Because Raila belonged to all of us,” he said.
The ceremony was steeped in tradition and symbolism. The delegation presented 100 head of cattle to the Odinga family—a gesture of deep respect and cultural significance. Traditional rites were performed at Raila’s gravesite, and prayers were offered for his soul and for the nation he loved so dearly. The mood oscillated between mourning and celebration, as speakers recounted Raila’s life, his humor, his resilience, and his unshakable belief in the Kenyan dream.
Kalonzo’s tribute was not just a eulogy—it was a political statement, a personal confession, and a national reflection. It reminded the country of the fragility of democracy, the cost of dissent, and the enduring power of solidarity. “We have lost a giant,” he said. “But we have not lost our way. Raila showed us the path. Now we must walk it.”
As the sun dipped behind the hills of Bondo, casting long shadows over the gathering, the crowd rose in unison to honor the man they had come to mourn. The chants of “Jowi! Jowi!” rang out once more, echoing across the homestead and into the hearts of a nation in mourning. Kalonzo stood still, his eyes fixed on the horizon, perhaps seeing not just the past they had shared, but the future he now must shape.
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