Kiambu senator faults decision to deny Kalonzo chance to speak at Raila’s requiem
By Joel Masibo, October 17, 2025Kiambu County Senator Karungo wa Thang’wa has blasted the ruling regime, led by President William Ruto, for denying United Opposition leaders comprising Wiper Party leader, Kalonzo Musyoka and People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua a chance to speak during Raila Odinga’s state funeral at Nyayo Stadium.
Taking to his X account shortly after the public, the church and political leaders converged at the Nyayo National Stadium for the particular function on Friday, October 17, 2025, the Kiambu Senator said it was not a good show to deny Kalonzo and Karua an opportunity to eulogise their closest political ally, Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader.
At the event, retired president Uhuru Kenyatta and the incumbent William Ruto were the only notable top figures in the country’s political arena who got a chance to speak about Raila Odinga’s general life.
Karungo wa Thang’wa added that both Kalonzo and Martha Karua were closer to the departed former prime minister than anyone who spoke, yet they were ignored by the master of ceremony, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki.
”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 former running mate and a loyal partner in the long struggle for justice and democracy,” wa Thang’wa said.
”While they stood with Raila through many years of shared values, sacrifice and vision for this country, Ruto was busy calling him “Mganga.” The most honourable thing the Ruto Regime could have done was to give them the space to mourn their friend and to speak to the nation that Baba dedicated his life to serving. But we knew this petty regime would never rise above its small politics. So we chose to mourn differently, in silence, in reflection, and with deep respect,” he added.
Manyora reacts
Also, Political analyst Herman Manyora has argued that denying Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka a chance to speak during the particular ceremony was shameful.
Taking to his X account shortly after Raila’s state funeral conducted on Friday, October 17, 2025, at the Nyayo National Stadium, Manyora said Kalonzo deserved a chance to speak a word about Raila, an ally with whom they have walked a long journey in Kenya’s politics.
”Not giving Kalonzo Musyoka time to speak was an act of national shame that must be condemned by all Kenyans. Kalonzo’s support for Raila, to the point of sacrifice, is unmatched. Let no one say there wasn’t time because Kindiki himself squandered so much time saying nothing,” Manyora said.
It is remembered that Raila Odinga and Kalonzo Musyoka have been walking together in their political journey for decades, with the Wiper Party leader being the running mate of the departed former PM on several occasions while seeking the presidency of Kenya, the latest coming in the 2017 general election.