Kalonzo pens Mashujaa Day tribute to Raila Odinga
By Joel Masibo, October 20, 2025Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has penned a heartfelt tribute to the late former Prime Minister Raila ahead of the 2025 Mashujaa Day celebrations on Monday, October 20, 2025.
Hours after the former Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader was laid to rest at his Bondo home, Siaya County, on Sunday, October 19, 2025, Kalonzo Musyoka, who was Raila Odinga’s running mate in two presidential elections, described the late PM as a patriotic man in his tribute.
Also Watch: President Ruto, Uhuru Kenyatta receive Raila Odinga’s body at JKIA.
In his moving tribute, the former Vice President reflected on Raila’s lifelong fight for democracy, human rights, and national unity. He hailed the former Prime Minister as a leader who endured immense suffering, from years of detention to the brutal experiences in torture chambers, yet remained unbroken in spirit and purpose.
“Years of detention did not stop you. The torture chambers did not faze you. The agony of bungled and stolen elections did not crush you,” Kalonzo wrote, capturing the resilience that defined Raila’s political journey.
Kalonzo praised Raila’s unwavering commitment to a just and fair Kenya, where all citizens, regardless of their ethnicity or social standing, would enjoy dignity and equality. He lauded Raila’s vision for a country grounded in unity and inclusivity, saying his sacrifices would never be forgotten.
“Throughout your life, you dedicated yourself, mind, body and soul to the pursuit of a fair and just Kenya, where all, irrespective of their titles and ethnicity, would be accorded dignity and treated equally,” the statement read.
Also Watch: Raila Amolo Odinga’s body ready for viewing
Symbol of perseverance
Calling Raila “Kenya’s Shujaa,” Kalonzo described him as a symbol of perseverance, hope, and belief, qualities that inspired millions of Kenyans through decades of political turbulence. He emphasised that Raila’s heroism extended beyond words, manifesting in his remarkable determination to stand up for the truth, even in the face of great personal cost.
“Aguambo, you exhibited true heroism not only in words but also in your remarkable resolve to persevere, hope, and believe,” Kalonzo wrote, using Raila’s popular Luo name.
Meanwhile, as the nation marks Mashujaa Day, a day set aside to honour Kenya’s heroes, Kalonzo has urged Kenyans to remember Raila as one of the most consequential figures in the country’s democratic history.
“From your perch at the mountaintop, I wish you and all Kenyans of goodwill a Happy Mashujaa Day.”
Raila Odinga, who passed away on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, while undergoing treatment in India, was Kenya’s second Prime Minister and one of the central figures in the country’s struggle for multiparty democracy. This year’s Mashujaa Day national celebrations will be staged at the newly constructed Ithookwe Stadium in Kitui County, presided over by President William Ruto.