Wiper Patriotic Front (WPF) leader Kalonzo Musyoka has cut short his trip to the United Kingdom to return home ahead of the state funeral of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
In a statement on Thursday, October 16, the Head of the SKM Presidential Secretariat, Zein Abubakar, confirmed that the former Vice President has already left London for Nairobi.
"The Wiper Patriotic Front Leader Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka, has departed from Heathrow International Airport (HIA), London, United Kingdom, for Nairobi, Kenya," the statement read.
According to the statement, Kalonzo is expected to arrive in the country on Friday morning, October 17, ahead of the national farewell ceremony for Odinga.
"The WPF Leader is expected to arrive at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on Friday, October 17, 2025, at 6:00 AM EAT," the statement added.
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Upon arrival, Kalonzo will proceed to join Odinga’s family, friends, and fellow Kenyans at the State Requiem Mass, where leaders from across the political spectrum are expected to gather to honour the late ODM leader’s legacy.
"Musyoka will join the family of Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga, friends and Kenyans at the State Requiem Mass, and pay tribute to his friend and compatriot," the statement concluded.
On Wednesday, October 15, Kalonzo paid an emotional tribute to Raila, describing him as a brother, friend, and champion of Kenya's democratic journey.
In a heartfelt message, he expressed deep sorrow following the passing of Kenya's Second Prime Minister, who died earlier in the day at the age of 80.
Kalonzo paid tribute to Raila's sacrifices for democracy, noting that he was Kenya's longest-suffering political detainee who endured torture and detention in the fight for multipartyism.
"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," he stated.
The Wiper leader emphasized Raila's instrumental role in Kenya's constitutional reforms, particularly his contribution to devolving power from an imperial presidency to a people-centered constitutional order leading up to the promulgation of the 2010 Constitution on August 27, 2010.
Reflecting on their personal and political relationship, Kalonzo highlighted their close collaboration since 2013, when he served twice as Raila's running mate in both the CORD and NASA coalitions, as well as their partnership in the Azimio La Umoja – One Kenya Coalition.
"We learnt a lot from each other, and shared a lot of pain together," Musyoka revealed, acknowledging the deep bond they had forged over the years.
He extended his condolences to Raila's widow, Mama Ida Odinga, and the entire family, including Rosemary, Raila Junior, and Winnie, assuring them of his family's solidarity during this difficult time.
"Kenya has lost an exemplary leader, the President who won but was never declared and sworn into office. The loss of Rt Hon Raila Odinga is not only a loss to his family and country, but also to the entire African continent," he further said.
