Political analyst Herman Manyora has argued that denying Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka a chance to speak during the state memorial of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga is 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.

Kalonzo Musyoka was supposed to take the oath of office as Kenya’s Deputy President in January 2018, when Raila Odinga was sworn in as the people’s president after the chaotic 2017 general election, but the Wiper Party chief did not show up at Uhuru Park.

Tribute

During Friday’s event, retired president Uhuru Kenyatta and the incumbent president William Ruto were among the key top political leaders who had a rare chance to speak on the life of Raila Odinga, with Deputy President Kithure Kindiki being the master of the ceremony.

However, despite getting no chance to speak about Raila Odinga, the former vice president and Wiper Party leader eulogised former prime minister and ODM leader, the late Raila Odinga, as a leader who carried the burden of the nation.

In a brief statement released after the state funeral of Raila Odinga on Friday, October 17, 2025, at the Nyayo National Stadium, Nairobi, Kalonzo added that Kenya and the world at large will miss the services of the former PM.

”Rest well in everlasting peace, my brother Rt Hon Raila Amolo Odinga. Your voice echoed the dreams of millions, and your heart carried the burden of our nation’s journey. Kenya, Africa and the world will remember you forever. Your legacy will live on in every heart that believes in the promise of a just and united nation,” Kalonzo took to his X account.

Raila Odinga will be laid to rest on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at his Bondo home in Siaya County.