Wamalwa hails Kalonzo’s visit to Opoda Farm, says none worked with Raila longer than him
By Mabonga Makhanu, November 6, 2025Democratic Action Party (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa has hailed Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka’s visit to Opoda Farm.
In a statement shared on his social media on Thursday, November 6, 2025, Wamalwa praised Kalonzo, saying that among those who had the privilege of working with Raila Odinga, no one did so longer than Kalonzo Musyoka.
He noted that while many walked and worked with the late Raila Odinga both in the trenches and in government, few remained by his side longer than Kalonzo, who returned to Bondo to honour his friend.
“We all walked and worked with Baba Raila Odinga in the trenches and in government, but few of us walked with him longer than Kalonzo Musyoka, who today returned to Bondo to honour his brother.”
“Though friends be lost, friendship must not, and death will have no dominion, as Shakespeare said,” Wamalwa stated.
This was evident during Kalonzo’s first visit to pay tribute to his long-time political ally and departed friend, Raila Odinga, where he was accompanied by over 500 people.
The massive turnout at both Opoda Farm and Kango ka Jaramogi created a level of reception unmatched by any other leader who had visited to pay tribute.
The visit brought intense activity and some confusion to the late leader’s home, as leaders attempted to manage the large crowds that had accompanied Kalonzo Musyoka.
Kalonzo-Raila friendship
Wamalwa’s recognition of Kalonzo’s long-standing friendship with Raila was echoed by Ida Odinga, who, while welcoming Kalonzo, stated that his bond with Raila would never be erased, even in death. She recalled how Raila fondly referred to Kalonzo as “Stevo”, a short form of Stephen, to signify the deep connection they shared.
“I am not a politician, so don’t expect me to bring in any politics, but from what I know, Kalonzo was a friend of Baba for many years, and their friendship can never be erased,” Ida stated.
Kalonzo also acknowledged this enduring friendship, recalling the many times he stood alongside Raila in the struggle for better governance.
In the spirit of preserving his late friend’s legacy, Kalonzo would go ahead to slam critics who often labelled the departed leader as ‘mchawi’ or ‘mganga’, saying that these should cease and nobody ever label any member of Odinga’s family with such names.