Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has arrived back in Kenya from London ahead of the state funeral of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Kalonzo, who cut short his foreign trip to attend the burial of his long-time political partner and friend, landed at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on Friday, October 17.
He was received by Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti, Kitui Senator Enoch Wambua, Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr., and Makueni Senator Dan Maanzo.
Shortly after his arrival, Kalonzo joined other leaders in welcoming dignitaries from Tanzania who had arrived in Nairobi to pay their final respects to Raila.
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Among those he received were former Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete and the country’s Vice President, Dr. Philip Mpango.
In a statement, Kalonzo expressed deep gratitude and emotion as he welcomed the delegation, noting the significance of Raila’s legacy beyond Kenya’s borders.
"This morning at JKIA, I had the honour of welcoming former President of Tanzania, Jakaya Kikwete, and the Vice President, Dr. Philip Mpango, who came to Nairobi to pay their last respects to their dear brother and friend, Raila Amolo Odinga. Their presence shows just how deeply Raila’s life touched people beyond our borders," he said.
Kalonzo, who worked closely with Raila in the Azimio La Umoja coalition and shared decades of political history with him, described the loss as deeply personal and a heavy moment for the country.
"These are truly heavy days for me and for our nation. I have lost more than a political ally, I have lost a brother and a friend. We walked together through moments of struggle, hope, and belief in a better Kenya. As we gather to celebrate his life, I find strength in the values he stood for. Raila’s spirit of courage, unity, and justice must continue to guide us forward," he added.
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.
