East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) MP Kanini Kega has urged organizers of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s state funeral to allow Wiper Patriotic Front (WPF) leader Kalonzo Musyoka to address mourners during the ceremony.
In a statement on Saturday, October 18, Kega argued that Kalonzo should represent leaders who have stood by Raila over the years and made personal sacrifices in support of his political journey.
"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?" he posed.
The appeal came after reports that Kalonzo was not recognized or given a chance to speak at Raila's state funeral held at Nyayo National Stadium on Friday, October 17.
Kalonzo's political association with Raila stretches back more than a decade; he served as Raila’s running mate in both the 2013 and 2017 general elections under the Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD) and later the National Super Alliance (NASA).
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In the 2022 elections, he was a co-principal in the Azimio la Umoja–One Kenya Coalition, which fronted Raila as the presidential candidate.
Over the years, Kalonzo stood beside Raila during election disputes, campaigns, and opposition coalitions, earning recognition as one of his most loyal political allies.
At the state funeral, President William Ruto and other dignitaries, including former President Uhuru Kenyatta, addressed the mourners.
Several opposition leaders, among them Kalonzo, Martha Karua, Eugene Wamalwa, and Fred Matiang’i, were present but did not speak.
Additionally, the opposition figures were not acknowledged by the master of ceremonies, prompting criticism that their exclusion was deliberate.
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.
Kalonzo 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, he 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," he revealed, acknowledging the deep bond they had forged over the years.
Kalonzo 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.
