Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has returned to Kenya from the United Kingdom to attend the state funeral of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, marking an emotional homecoming for one of Odinga’s closest political allies and friends.
Kalonzo, who had been in the UK for a series of scheduled engagements, landed at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) early Friday morning, October 17, 2025. He was received by a delegation of Wiper Party officials and Azimio la Umoja leaders, including Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti, Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr., Senator Enock “Kiio” Wambua, and Senator Dan Maanzo. The mood at the airport was somber yet united, as leaders embraced each other while preparing to bid farewell to one of Kenya’s most influential figures.
Speaking to journalists upon arrival, Kalonzo said he was still struggling to come to terms with Odinga’s passing. “It still feels unreal,” he admitted. “Raila was not just a political partner but a brother and a patriot. Kenya has lost a giant whose vision for democracy and justice will never fade.”
Before cutting short his trip, Kalonzo had been scheduled to speak at several prestigious events in the UK, including the London Political Summit, a lecture at Oxford University, and meetings at Chatham House, the UK Parliament, and the Commonwealth Secretariat. His return home, he said, was driven by both duty and love—duty to the nation and love for a comrade who shaped Kenya’s political destiny.
Over the years, the relationship between Raila Odinga and Kalonzo Musyoka has been one of both rivalry and reconciliation. The two leaders first worked together in the early 2000s under the National Rainbow Coalition (NARC) before parting ways ahead of the 2007 general election, when Odinga led ODM and Kalonzo headed ODM-Kenya. Despite political differences, they reunited under the Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD) in 2013, later joining forces again under NASA in 2017. Their partnership reached its strongest phase in Azimio la Umoja, where Kalonzo stood firmly behind Odinga in the 2022 presidential election.
Kalonzo’s arrival comes ahead of the state funeral service scheduled to take place at Nyayo National Stadium, where thousands of mourners are expected to gather in honour of the man many have called “the father of Kenya’s second liberation.” Government officials, international dignitaries, and citizens from across the country are anticipated to attend the event, which marks a defining moment in Kenya’s political history.
As Kenya mourns, Kalonzo’s return symbolizes not only a personal loss but also the closing of a significant chapter in the country’s leadership. His emotional statement reflected the feelings of many Kenyans—gratitude for Raila Odinga’s courage, admiration for his resilience, and sorrow over his departure.
“Raila’s fight for democracy was not just political—it was moral,” Kalonzo said. “He taught us that leadership means sacrifice. Kenya must continue on that path of unity and justice that he lived and died for.”
As preparations continue for Odinga’s final farewell, Kalonzo joins other national leaders in calling for peace, reflection, and unity during this period of mourning.
Image by Nairobi Leo
