Kalonzo to Skip Raila Memorial in Bondo, Accuses Rivals of Exploiting His Legacy

Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka has announced that he will not attend the official memorial service for the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, scheduled for October 15 in Bondo, Siaya County.

Kalonzo said he would instead honour Odinga privately, arguing that some political leaders planning to attend the commemoration were seeking to use the late opposition leader’s legacy for political purposes.

Speaking to supporters in Bondo on Sunday, September 27, Kalonzo said he had travelled to the area ahead of the anniversary to pay his respects to his longtime political ally.

“I came here to Bondo to mourn my real brother Raila; I will not be there during his anniversary,” Kalonzo said.

The Wiper leader criticised members of President William Ruto’s administration and other political figures expected at the memorial, accusing them of changing their stance toward Odinga after his death.

Kalonzo said he would not accept a situation where politicians he accused of opposing Odinga during his lifetime would attend the memorial and portray themselves as defenders of his legacy.

He further declared that Raila’s political legacy was not over, saying: “Raila is not finished!”

Kalonzo was accompanied during his Bondo visit by Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa, who also criticised the government over its handling of opposition politics and alleged treatment of human rights defenders and activists.

Kalonzo and Wamalwa are among opposition leaders who have continued to emphasise the need to preserve what they describe as Odinga’s political ideals as the country approaches the 2027 General Election.

The October 15 memorial will mark one year since Raila Odinga died in India in 2025. ODM has announced a series of activities throughout October under the theme “Mwezi wa Baba”, culminating in the main memorial event at Kang’o ka Jaramogi in Bondo.