Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka has invoked his long political association with Raila Odinga as he courts Siaya voters.
The former Vice President said the community should now return the favour by standing with him.
Kalonzo, who toured Bondo on Sunday, recalled the political struggles he shared with Raila and presented himself as a loyal ally who stood with the former ODM leader through difficult moments.
“The people of Bondo, you must know that even if Raila is dead, then Uncle Steve is still here. I have been a true friend of the Luo community and not only the Luos but the entire country. I want to announce here, we shall not allow Ruto to finish Raila’s dream,” Kalonzo said.
He cited his support for Raila in 2013, 2017 and 2022, urging residents to reciprocate the support he said he had extended to the former opposition chief over the years.
At one point, Kalonzo played a 2022 clip of Raila praising him as a steadfast leader better than Ruto.
Kalonzo was accompanied by DAP-Kenya boss Eugene Wamalwa, Democratic Party leader Justin Muturi, former CS Raphael Tuju, MPs Robert Mbui (Kathiani) and Julius Mawathe (Embakasi South), among other opposition figures.
Conspicuously absent was Siaya Governor James Orengo, who is earmarked to chair The Ukombozi Alliance (TUA), led by Kalonzo.
The Wiper boss also turned his guns on President William Ruto, accusing his administration of not genuinely seeking to protect and advance Raila’s political legacy.
He further criticised plans to mark Raila’s first anniversary, claiming some of those expected to participate in the commemorations were the same people he accused of having denied Raila victory in previous elections.
He described the planned anniversary activities as “dancing on his grave by those who stole his votes” and urged the people of Siaya and the wider Nyanza region to stand with him.
“They will come here in two weeks to commemorate Raila’s legacy, but because I can’t stand people dancing on Raila’s grave, I don’t think I will come,” he said.
Kalonzo’s Bondo visit came days after Ruto completed a five-day tour of Nyanza, during which the President sought to deepen his administration’s political presence in a region long associated with Raila and the opposition.
Addressing residents of Bondo, DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa said the opposition would not allow the President to disrespect Raila in death, citing alleged remarks by Ruto that he defeated retired President Uhuru Kenyatta and his project.
“Ruto came here and said that he defeated Uhuru and his project. We will not allow Ruto to disrespect Raila. How do you honour Raila when you disrespect his legacy?” Wamalwa stated.
He appealed to the region to stick with Kalonzo, a long-time ally of Raila, so they are not left behind in the newfound opposition wave.
“The people of Nyanza, don’t be left behind, be on the right side of history. Walk together with other Kenyans,” Eugene said.
DP leader Justin Muturi alleged the President is now turning to neighbouring countries after realising he does not have enough local votes to guarantee re-election.
“Kenyans are alert, I heard Ruto saying in Taita Taveta he has opened all the border points so that everyone can register as a voter. Ruto has realised he has no votes and is now looking for votes across the borders,” Muturi alleged.
The leaders first attended a church service at St Michael’s All Angels Cathedral before proceeding with a meet-the-people tour in Bondo.
The move is part of a wider push by the opposition to consolidate support in Nyanza and Western ahead of the 2027 elections.
Speaking during a Bondo town stopover, Embakasi South MP Julius Mawathe told the community to reciprocate the 15 years Kalonzo has stood by Raila.
“Three instances, Kalonzo was ready to go for the top seat but Raila told him to wait and back him instead. Time for the community to return the favour by voting for Kalonzo is now,” Mawathe said.
INSTANT ANALYSIS
Kalonzo cited his support for Raila in 2013, 2017 and 2022 while urging residents of Raila’s political backyard to reciprocate the support he said he had extended to the late opposition chief over the years.
