BONDO, Kenya, 7th November 2025—The Wiper Patriotic Front (WPF) party leader, Kalonzo Musyoka, has made a passionate appeal to the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) top leaders and members for a close working relationship to champion the democratic ideals that the fallen former premier, Raila Odinga, relentlessly fought for the benefit of the country.
Recounting the several years they have been gallantly struggling in the political trenches, Dr Kalonzo said he is best suited to ensure that the name of Raila Odinga lives on.
“To members of ODM, kumbukeni mimi niko (remember that I am available), and if there’s that one person that you can collaborate with… It’s me. Sio hawa jameni (not the ruling party UDA),” he remarked while adding that: “Not those who called him mtu wa vitendawili (a man of riddles).
The former tenth Vice President, who served during Mwai Kibaki’s tenure (2008-2013), spoke when he paid homage to Raila’s family at Opoda farm and Kang’o Ka Jaramogi in Nyamira-Bondo on Thursday,6th November.
Kalonzo reminded ODM that Raila didn’t break Azimio, and also described him as a superhero, with whom they led countrywide demonstrations dubbed Resist in 2023, which included an assassination attempt.
“We are honouring the father of maandamano. This is why I have come clad today as a comrade. We resisted, and I want my brother, who is lying here, to know that when it comes to bad governance, we will continue to say the same.” Kalonzo, who donned a green combat gear and a cap, stressed as he pointed to Raila’s grave.
Their struggles with Raila, he emphasised, were meant to give the country a good reputable, respectable and democratically united nation, something which has inspired the youth.
Kalonzo urged the 20-year-old party to remember the good times they shared together with his Wiper party. On three occasions, Kalonzo supported Raila’s stab for the presidency (2013 and 2017) as his running mate and in 2022 as Azimio Coalition co-principal.
The respect, he stated, should be given to Raila to ensure that no one dares to say, “He will look after ODM.” “I heard that and I got surprised. ODM is a grassroots mass movement party as well as Wiper.”
To celebrate the life and legacy of Raila, he suggested the holding of a week-long event in Nairobi and in the other 46 counties at an appropriate time.
Raila’s spouse, Ida Odinga, and her son, Raila Junior, expressed their delight at the huge visiting Ukambani delegation.
“Our father was a Pan Africanist and a national leader who welcomed everyone home and that’s why we are doing that as well,” Raila Junior stated, with which Ida shared that, “In politics, there are no permanent enemies or friends, but those who come to mourn with you are true friends.”
On his part, Siaya Governor James Orengo called for the protection of political parties and warned ODM to remain cautious and not make the mistake of “being swallowed.”
He praised Kalonzo for having been steadfast in supporting Raila’s previous presidential bids.
“I want to see anybody in Kenya who says he loved Raila more than Kalonzo,” Orengo quipped.
Assuring that they will not be weakened as the ODM party, Kisumu Women Representative Ruth Odinga said that they will remain strong and united, and go to the negotiating table as such.
Earlier in a show of might, Kalonzo’s delegation delivered 100 herds of cattle at Opoda farm, before laying wreaths and paying their last respects at Kang’o. The events were graced by Governors Wavinya Ndeti (Machakos), Mutula Kilonzo (Makueni), Enock Wambua (Kitui Senator), Gideon Ochanda (Bondo MP), several Ukambani legislators, church bishops, elders and professionals, among others.
