Africa-Press – Kenya. Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka on Friday afternoon visited former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s Karen home to condole with Mama Ida Odinga and the family.
Kalonzo described Raila as a tower of strength and paid tribute to Mama Ida for her composure and courage in the wake of her husband’s passing.
He lauded the Odinga family for their selfless service to the nation, saying Raila’s life embodied sacrifice, unity, and the quest for justice.
Kalonzo pledged his support and prayers to Mama Ida and the Odinga family, assuring them of solidarity during this difficult time.
“As I sat with the family, I saw this clearly. Over the past few days, she has shouldered the weight of the pain of our nation, our continent, and even the world with immense grace. The Odingas shared their leader with us so selflessly, so much so that Raila was the heartbeat of a generation that believed in a just and united Kenya,” Kalonzo said.
“The Odingas now deserve all our collective support as they face their new reality without a man they first called Baba. Mama Ida, you can count on my support and my family’s prayers at this most difficult time. As you mourn, find solace in knowing that Baba’s life was one of purpose and sacrifice.”
He urged Kenyans to honor Raila’s legacy by upholding the values he fought for.
“May God give the Odinga family strength, and may Kenya never forget the legacy of a man who gave everything for his country and his people.”
Raila Odinga, who served as Kenya’s Prime Minister between 2008 and 2013, is being mourned across the country and beyond as a symbol of democracy and reform.
Kalonzo was among the leaders present at Raila’s state funeral held at Nyayo Stadium, presided over by President William Ruto, the ACK church, and the Odinga family.
Thousands of mourners attended the state funeral of former Prime Minister Raila. Many carried national flags and portraits of Raila and wore T-shirts printed with his image to pay their final respects.
Earlier, Kalonzo criticised the organisers of the state funeral, saying the opposition was sidelined during the ceremony.
“It is unfortunate because it is a state funeral; they should have recognised the official opposition to say something. That is what Raila Odinga would have wanted,” Kalonzo said.
He added that even the announcement by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki acknowledging their presence was barely audible.
“You can see the way Kindiki announced that some of us were around; nobody could hear. But it is okay,” he said.
Raila, a giant figure on Kenya’s political scene, died on Wednesday, aged 80, in India, where he had been receiving medical treatment.
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