East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) Member Kanini Kega has appealed to the organizers of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s state funeral to allow Wiper Democratic Movement leader Kalonzo Musyoka to address mourners during the ceremony.
In a statement issued on Saturday, October 18, Kega said Kalonzo deserves to speak on behalf of leaders who have long stood beside Raila throughout his political journey, many of whom made personal sacrifices in support of his democratic ideals.
“Kalonzo Musyoka must be allowed to speak tomorrow on behalf of all of us who, in one way or another, made sacrifices for Baba. Will as many as are of a similar opinion say aye?” Kega stated.
His remarks followed reports that Kalonzo was neither acknowledged nor given an opportunity to speak during Raila’s state funeral at Nyayo National Stadium on Friday, October 17.
Kalonzo has been a long-time ally of Raila, having served as his running mate in both the 2013 and 2017 general elections under the CORD and NASA coalitions respectively. In the 2022 elections, he joined forces with Raila again under the Azimio la Umoja–One Kenya Coalition, which fielded Raila as its presidential candidate.
Over the years, the former Vice President has remained one of Raila’s most loyal political partners—supporting him through election petitions, coalition politics, and opposition struggles.
At Friday’s state funeral, President William Ruto, former President Uhuru Kenyatta, and other dignitaries addressed mourners. However, key opposition figures including Kalonzo, Martha Karua, Eugene Wamalwa, and Fred Matiang’i were not invited to speak—an omission that sparked criticism from sections of the public who viewed it as intentional.
Earlier, on Wednesday, October 15, Kalonzo had paid a moving tribute to Raila following his death at the age of 80, describing him as a “brother, friend, and patriot” whose sacrifices helped shape Kenya’s democratic evolution.
“At the heart of the struggle for multipartyism, Raila’s body bore the scars of the slings and arrows, bullets and batons, that no man or woman should ever endure,” Kalonzo said in his message of condolence.
He praised Raila’s role in championing the 2010 Constitution, which he said transformed Kenya from an imperial presidency to a people-centered governance structure.
Reflecting on their political partnership, Kalonzo noted that they shared “pain and purpose,” having stood together in multiple election campaigns and opposition movements.
“We learnt a lot from each other and shared a lot of pain together,” he said.
Kalonzo extended his condolences to Mama Ida Odinga and the entire Odinga family—Rosemary, Raila Junior, and Winnie—assuring them of his continued support.
“Kenya has lost an exemplary leader—the President who won but was never declared and sworn into office. Raila Odinga’s death is not just a loss to his family and country, but to the entire African continent,” Kalonzo stated.
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