Kalonzo's moving tribute to Raila as Gachagua skips Opoda visit

It was a visit that many had hoped would be a statement visit to conclude the late ODM leader Raila Odinga's grave as a national symbol of unity. A place that had attracted leaders from all political divides, including those who had broken ranks with Raila prior to his death.

However, Kenyans may have to wait a little longer to witness former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua pay homage to the family of Raila after he missed their planned visit to Opoda on Thursday.

Gachagua was expected to accompany Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka to condole with the family of the late veteran leader.

The visit had been publicized by members of the United Opposition who had even scheduled a media interview in Kisumu ahead of the visit.

However, that hope faded after only Kalonzo showed up with a promise that his ally would visit the place in due course.

The Wiper Leader said that the opposition Odinga’s influence and legacy will grow even stronger after his death.

Speaking after laying wreaths on Raila’s grave at Kang’o Ka Jaramogi, Kalonzo passionately reflected on the late leader’s life, sacrifices, and unwavering dedication to Kenya’s democratic struggle.

The former vice president was accompanied by other leaders from the Ukambani region, including Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti, Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr., Members of Parliament, and senior religious leaders.

“Raila Odinga will be more powerful in death than when he was alive because he inspired the young Kenyans,” Kalonzo said. He described Raila not merely as a political partner, but as a brother whose courage and convictions helped shape Kenya’s modern political identity.

Kalonzo recounted moments that highlighted both the magnitude of Raila’s influence and the magnitude of threats he lived under. He recalled the tense period of anti-government protests in 2023, when citizens filled the streets to express their frustration over the rising cost of living.

The demonstrations, which became increasingly confrontational, put Raila at the center of what many believed to be an orchestrated attempt to permanently remove him from the political scene.

“We have been to the trenches with my brother,” Kalonzo said. “On one occasion in 2023, when Kenyans were saying the cost of living was unbearable, some of us wore sufurias. We nearly got killed. Raila and I escaped from Embakasi South. It was like orders were given that day to kill us, mainly to kill Raila Odinga.”

He went further, offering a chilling revelation about how close Kenya came to losing Raila long before 2025.

“When we got to his place in Karen after escaping, he told me he wanted to show me something. We counted ten bullet attempts on my brother Raila Odinga. If he did not have an armored vehicle, we would have buried him in 2023. But God is gracious,” he said.

Kalonzo had strong words for those who attacked Raila with insults and propaganda.

“They called him names. They said things, even calling him a witchdoctor,” he continued. “We are burying here a man of God who laid his life for the sake of this nation. So we must get those things right so our brother rests in peace. Nobody should ever again use those words to describe him or associate the Odinga family with such.”

Kalonzo praised Raila’s lifetime commitment to justice, democratic reform, and constitutional governance. He insisted that Kenya must honor and protect the values Raila sacrificed so much to bring to life.

“Our brother lying here would have been the Commander-in-Chief of the Defense Forces of the Republic of Kenya,” he stated. “The history of this country cannot be written without giving prominent recognition to our brother Raila Amolo Odinga. May the champion of democracy, may the champion of devolution rest in eternal peace.”

Kalonzo’s tribute also emphasised unity, noting that more delegations from other communities would also come to pay their respects.

“The Kikuyu nation will come. Our brother Rigathi Gachagua would want to come. Those who spoke badly will also come,” he said. “The Luhyas were here with a lot of cows. My brother can’t take any cow with him he’s rested — but we honor him with what we have.”

He concluded by reaffirming his commitment to uphold Raila’s fight against bad governance: “We went to the trenches. We said, resist. And we will continue to resist any attempt to erode the democratic gains our brother lived and fought for.”

Mama Ida Odinga, deeply moved by the ongoing solidarity shown to her family, expressed gratitude to Kalonzo and the entire delegation.

 “Only those who love Raila Amolo Odinga come here. And for that, I am very grateful,” she said. She emphasized that although she has never been a politician, she understands the depth and meaning of the friendships her husband cultivated throughout his life.

“Kalonzo Musyoka has been a friend of Baba for many years. And that friendship cannot be wiped out,” she said firmly. “Do not expect me to bring politics here. My husband was the politician, not me. What we are witnessing here is love, and love must be respected.”