Kalonzo Musyoka Leads Delegation to Honour Raila Odinga in Bondo
Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka today led a major delegation to Kang’o ka Jaramogi in Bondo, Siaya County, to pay tribute to the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
The delegation of more than 500 people from Ukambani and other regions includes elected leaders, elders, religious figures, and party supporters. They are expected to perform traditional burial rites at Raila’s gravesite and present 100 head of cattle to the Raila family at both Opoda Farm and Kang’o ka Jaramogi.
The gesture reflects the close political and personal ties between the two families.
Musyoka’s convoy travelled from Kisumu to Bondo along the Kisumu–Bondo Road, a journey closely monitored by political observers.
Although organisers said there would be no public stopovers out of respect for the bereaved family, the size of the procession is widely seen as a symbolic show of Kalonzo’s influence in a region long associated with Raila’s political legacy.
The visit comes at a significant moment for the country’s opposition politics following Raila’s death in India last month and his burial on 19 October.
Kalonzo had served as Raila’s running mate in the 2013 and 2017 presidential elections and later endorsed his 2022 bid, even after Raila chose Martha Karua as his deputy. Their long partnership and mutual loyalty form the foundation of today’s visit.
“This is not just a condolence visit,” said Wiper Democratic Front Secretary-General Shakilla Abdallah. “It is a reaffirmation of a political and personal bond that has shaped the opposition’s path in Kenya. Our party leader stood by Raila Odinga through three presidential contests. Today, he stands by him in death.”
The event also highlights the historical connection between Wiper and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), both of which trace their roots to the same political movement. Despite occasional political differences, Kalonzo and Raila maintained a working relationship even when they found themselves on opposite sides of government.
Since Raila’s passing, Musyoka has emerged as one of the main figures expected to lead the opposition. His experience, national profile, and alignment with Raila’s ideals have strengthened his standing among other potential successors, including Rigathi Gachagua, Martha Karua, Fred Matiang’i, Eugene Wamalwa, Justin Muturi, and George Natembeya.
All but Gachagua have visited Raila’s gravesite, a gesture that has come to symbolise respect for his political legacy. Plans for Gachagua to join Musyoka in Bondo were dropped following disagreements sparked by comments from Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga and warnings from Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga.
The Wiper Party has clarified that the event is a party-led tribute focused solely on honouring Raila. For Kalonzo, the visit represents both a personal farewell and a calculated political statement.
