The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka has criticised what he described as attempts to use the legacy of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga for political purposes, saying opposition leaders should remain united in defending the ideals associated with him.
Speaking in Bondo, Siaya County, on Sunday, September 27, Kalonzo said he was unlikely to attend the main memorial event for Raila if individuals he accused of opposing the former Prime Minister in previous elections used the occasion to advance their political interests.
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Kalonzo said Raila’s political legacy had not ended with his death and criticised plans that he said could portray his political journey as having come to an end.
He also recalled his longstanding political relationship with Raila, saying the two had worked together through several difficult periods and presidential election cycles.
The Wiper leader said he had travelled to Bondo ahead of the anniversary because he wanted to pay his respects on his own terms rather than participate in an event he believed could be politically appropriated.
Raila died on October 15, 2025, and preparations are underway for his first death anniversary. The main memorial service is scheduled for October 15 at Kang’o ka Jaramogi in Bondo, as part of a wider programme of commemorative activities planned for October.
Kalonzo also used the Bondo visit to call for greater unity among opposition parties, rejecting suggestions that divisions would break up the opposition.
He was accompanied by Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa and Democratic Party leader Justin Muturi during the visit. Reports also indicated that the leaders attended a church service at St Michael and All Angels Cathedral before continuing with political engagements in the area.
Wamalwa, who also addressed the gathering, criticised the government over remarks he attributed to President William Ruto concerning Raila’s legacy. He further raised concerns about alleged abductions and extrajudicial killings, calling for accountability.
The DAP-K leader said issues such as freedom of expression, freedom of speech and political association remained important parts of the democratic ideals associated with Jaramogi Oginga Odinga and his son Raila.
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The opposition leaders’ visit came shortly after President Ruto concluded a five-day tour of Nyanza, with Kalonzo conducting his own political engagements in Nyanza and Western Kenya.
The competing political activities come as parties and leaders continue to engage communities in regions historically associated with Raila’s political base, ahead of the 2027 General Election.
