Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka addressing locals in Bondo on September 27, 2026./FAITH MATETE
Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka has warned against what he described as attempts to exploit the political legacy of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, saying opposition leaders must unite to protect what he stood for.
Speaking in Bondo, Siaya County, on Sunday, Kalonzo said he would not be part of events where those he accused of denying Raila victory in previous elections would use his death to advance their political interests.
“Siwezi kubali watu waliibia Raila kura wakuje hapa waanze kudance on his grave na kujenga mausoleum kubwa wakisherehekea mambo ya Raila imekwisha. Raila hajakwisha,” Kalonzo said.
He added, “Imebaki siku chache kuandaliwa makumbusho ya Raila, na dunia nzima itakuwa hapa, lakini mimi vile naskia, mimi sioni kama nitakuja nishirikorane na hao hapa. Nitakuja kivyangu vile nimekuja hapa leo.”
He said Raila’s death had not brought his political ideals to an end, arguing that the late opposition chief’s legacy remained relevant to the country’s democratic struggle.
Kalonzo spoke days before the first anniversary of Raila’s death.
The main memorial service is scheduled for October 15 in Bondo.
The Wiper leader said the memorial period should not be reduced to political celebrations, noting that he was deeply affected by the prospect of people appearing to celebrate Raila’s legacy after previously opposing him.
“I am coming here because I feel the pain of seeing people dancing on my brother’s grave,” he said, adding that his position on attending future events would be guided by his desire to ensure Raila’s legacy was respected.
Kalonzo recalled his long political association with Raila, saying the two had shared difficult moments in the struggle for political change and had worked together through several presidential election cycles.
He also used the Bondo visit to call for unity among opposition parties, dismissing suggestions that political differences would split the opposition.
“I want to tell my colleagues in the media who are saying the opposition he is divided, we will not disintegrate. We will work together here with my brother Eugene,” he said.
Kalonzo’s remarks came as he led a delegation of opposition leaders to a church service in Bondo before continuing with his meet-the-people tour.
He was accompanied by DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa and Democratic Party leader Justin Muturi.
The visit is part of Kalonzo’s wider grassroots mobilisation in Nyanza and Western Kenya, regions that were long associated with Raila’s political base.
His tour comes shortly after President William Ruto completed an extensive visit to Nyanza.
Wamalwa, meanwhile, accused the Kenya Kwanza administration of failing to uphold the ideals associated with Raila’s political struggle.
He criticised remarks he attributed to President Ruto during the President’s recent Nyanza tour, saying they amounted to disrespect for Raila’s memory.
“You called Raila a ‘mganga’. You disrespected him, tortured him and brutalised an old man,” Wamalwa said.
The DAP-K leader also raised concern over reported abductions and alleged extrajudicial killings, saying the opposition would continue demanding accountability from the government.
He cited the cases of young people who had recently been reported missing or abducted, arguing that the issue remained unresolved.
Wamalwa said freedom of expression, speech and political association were among the democratic principles championed by Jaramogi Oginga Odinga and his son and should continue to be protected.
He also maintained that the opposition would remain united in holding the government accountable through the 2027 General Election.
The opposition leaders’ appearance in Bondo comes amid intensified political activity in Nyanza, with rival political camps seeking to establish relationships with voters following Raila’s death and ahead of the 2027 polls.
