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Kalonzo: Raila’s family has permitted us to visit Bondo

Kalonzo: Raila’s family has permitted us to visit Bondo
Wiper and Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka during a past presser: PHOTO/facebook.com/kalonzomusyoka

Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has stated that the Odinga family has given the green light for friends and political allies of the late Raila Amolo Odinga to visit and condole with them in Bondo.

Speaking during the United Opposition Media Briefing at the SKM Command Centre in Nairobi on Monday, November 3, 2025, Kalonzo said those close to Raila had agreed to respect his wish for a quick burial and will now visit the family formally.

“On Thursday, familia ya ndugu yetu marehemu Raila Odinga wametukubalika tukawaambieni pole,” he said. “Kwa sababu ndugu yetu alisema azikwe haraka iwezekanavyo hatukupata nafasi, marafiki wa Raila wengi wameamua tutaandamana tukaambie familia bado tunasimama na wao.”

He emphasised that the gesture is meant to show solidarity with the Odinga family and honour Raila’s legacy.

Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka during the Ngema feast held at Muranga Country Club on Saturday, November 1, 2025. PHOTO//https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1412559836897557&set=pcb.1412560406897500
Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka during the Ngema feast held at Muranga Country Club on Saturday, November 1, 2025. PHOTO//https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1412559836897557&set=pcb.1412560406897500

Questions over leaders’ absence

His remarks follow questions from the public about why some opposition figures did not attend Raila’s burial. Kalonzo clarified that the family had requested a quick and private send-off, and leaders chose to respect that.

Last week, United Opposition Youth Leader Ken Babu said a wider delegation – including former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua – would also visit Bondo. He stressed that the Odinga family had not barred anyone.

“Raila Jr. made it clear there is no issue,” he said earlier. “They have not stopped anyone from mourning.”

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua with former Prime Minister Raila Odinga in Mombasa on Friday, September 16, 2022. PHOTO/Rigathi Facebook

The visit will follow a series of high-profile tributes in Bondo.

Chief Justice Martha Koome, former President Uhuru Kenyatta, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, Siaya Governor James Orengo and other national leaders have already visited Raila’s graveside in Kang’o ka Jaramogi.

Raila was buried on October 19, 2025, next to his family members. His hat and fly whisk were placed beside him, marking the end of a public life that shaped Kenya’s political direction for decades.

Author

Kenneth Mwenda

Kenneth Mwenda is a digital writer with over five years of experience. He graduated in February 2022 with a Bachelor of Commerce in Finance from The Co-operative University of Kenya. He has written news and feature stories for platforms such as Construction Review Online, Sports Brief, Briefly News, and Criptonizando. In 2023, he completed a course in Digital Investigation Techniques with AFP. He joined People Daily in May 2025. For inquiries, he can be reached at [email protected].

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