Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka has announced he will not attend the upcoming memorial service for the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga scheduled for October 15 in Bondo, accusing political opponents of using the event to politically exploit Odinga’s death.
Speaking to supporters in Bondo, Siaya County, Kalonzo revealed he made a deliberate decision to visit the region early to pay his respects privately alongside opposition colleagues, rather than share a stage with government leaders during the official state-backed anniversary functions.
”I came here to Bondo to mourn my real brother Raila; I will not be there during his anniversary,” Kalonzo told the crowd, directly addressing his decision to skip the mid-October commemoration.
The Wiper leader delivered a stern rebuke to members of President William Ruto’s administration and political rivals who plan to attend the event, accusing them of dishonesty regarding their relationship with the late opposition icon.
”I will never agree to see those who stole Raila’s votes coming here to dance on his grave and build a grand mausoleum, celebrating that Raila’s era is over,” Kalonzo declared. “Raila is not finished!”
Accompanied by Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa, Kalonzo criticized the government for attempting to co-opt Odinga’s legacy while simultaneously clamping down on young human rights defenders and political activists.
Kalonzo also expressed lingering frustration over how opposition leaders were treated during Odinga’s state funeral services, where key figures were sidelined and denied an opportunity to address mourners. He argued that participating in official state ceremonies only serves to legitimize an administration that opposed everything Odinga fought to achieve.
”We have come on our own terms as true friends of Raila, the Jeramogi family, and the people of Nyanza,” Kalonzo said. “We cannot join hands with those who brutalized him in life only to celebrate him in death.”
Kalonzo reiterated his commitment to maintaining a united opposition alliance to champion electoral justice and human rights, insisting that Odinga’s political ideals will continue to guide their movement.
DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa accused President Ruto of disrespecting Odinga’s memory, citing remarks the President allegedly made during a recent visit to Nyanza.
“You called Raila a ‘mganga’ (witch doctor). You disrespected him, tortured him and brutalised an old man,” Wamalwa said.
He called for an end to enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings and said freedom of expression, speech and political association remained central to the democratic ideals championed by Jaramogi Oginga Odinga and his son.
Wamalwa also described President Ruto as a one-term president, saying the opposition would hold the government accountable through the ballot.
The visit comes as opposition parties seek to strengthen their political base in Nyanza and Western Kenya amid growing political realignments.
