Kibwana urges Odinga family to let Kalonzo, Karua eulogise Raila in Bondo
By Kenneth Mwenda, October 18, 2025Former Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana has appealed to the Odinga family to allow Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua to speak during Raila Odinga’s burial in Bondo on Sunday, October 19, 2025.
In a message posted on X on Saturday, October 18, Kibwana said Kalonzo and Karua stood firmly with Raila during the 2013, 2017 and 2022 elections, sharing in his struggles and political journey.
“As a fact, Kalonzo Musyoka and Martha Karua stood with Raila Odinga during the 2013, 2017 and 2022 elections. They shared many struggles and memories. At Bondo tomorrow, let the Jaramogi family prevail over the State to allow them to also eulogise their fallen comrade,” Kibwana wrote.
His remarks came as debate intensified over Kalonzo’s sidelining during the state funeral service held at Nyayo Stadium on Friday, where he was not given a chance to speak.
EALA MP Kanini Kega was among those who criticised the move, saying Kalonzo deserved to speak on behalf of those who had walked with Raila for years.
“Kalonzo Musyoka must be allowed to speak on behalf of all of us who, in one way or another, made sacrifices for Baba,” Kega said on X.Leaders
Differ on exclusion
However, Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei took a different view, arguing that Kalonzo should not complain, recalling how he broke ranks with Raila in 2007.
“Kalonzo should be the last to complain that he was denied the chance to eulogise Jakom Raila yesterday at the state funeral service,” Cherargei wrote, adding that Kalonzo betrayed Raila when he chose to support then-President Mwai Kibaki.
Other leaders, including Kiambu Senator Karungo Thang’wa, defended Kalonzo and Karua, saying they had shared a long bond with Raila based on mutual respect and struggle.
“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 loyal partner in the fight for democracy,” Thang’wa said.
He added that it would be honourable for the government and the family to allow the two to pay their final respects to a man they shared decades of political history with.
The late ODM leader will be buried at his Opoda Farm in Bondo after a state interment service at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University.