Kalonzo: Raila carried the burden of Kenya’s journey
By Joel Masibo, October 17, 2025Former Vice President and Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has 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.
According to Musyoka, Raila Odinga was a leader who chose peace at the expense of his personal ambitions as a political figure.
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 a number of occasions while seeking the presidency of Kenya. Furthermore, Raila Odinga has been reconciling with his challengers in presidential polls after conceding defeat for the sake of Kenya’s peace and stability, at times being misunderstood by his followers.
”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.
Kalonzo welcomes foreign leaders
Shortly after cutting short his scheduled United Kingdom trip for Raila Odinga’s funeral, Kalonzo Musyoka welcomed the former President of Tanzania, Jakaya Kikwete, and the Vice President, Philip Mpango, who came to Nairobi to pay their last respects to Raila Odinga.
Meanwhile, Kalonzo described the presence of regional leaders at Raila Odinga’s state funeral as a sign of Odinga’s deep influence around the world.
”Their presence shows just how deeply Raila’s life touched people beyond our borders. These are truly heavy days for me and for our nation. I have lost more than a political ally. I have lost a brother and a friend. We walked together through moments of struggle, hope, and belief in a better Kenya. As we gather to celebrate his life, I find strength in the values he stood for. Raila’s spirit of courage, unity, and justice must continue to guide us forward.” Kalonzo Musyoka said.
Kalonzo and the late Raila Odinga last worked together three years ago in the Azimio La Umoja, a political outfit that brought together different political parties in a bid to form the next government after the 2022 general election. However, despite having the backing of retired President Uhuru Kenyatta, Azimio La Umoja lost the presidency with Raila Odinga as their flagbearer to President William Ruto of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
Raila Odinga will be laid to rest on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at his Bondo home in Siaya County.