- The Wiper Patriotic Front leader, Kalonzo Musyoka, announced his decision to travel to Opoda Farm to visit Mama Ida Odinga and finally pay his last respects to Raila
- He further took to his social media platforms to pay an emotional tribute to the late Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader
- Kenyans reacted to Kalonzo’s kind gesture, highlighting his long-term friendship with the former premier
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Faith Chandianya, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya
Kenyans from all walks of life have been visiting the Opoda Farm to pay their last respects to the former prime minister Raila Odinga.
Source: Facebook
The Wiper Patriotic Front (WPF) party leader and member of the United Opposition, Kalonzo Musyoka, has not been left behind.
He took to his social media platforms on Wednesday, November 5, to announce his move, asserting that the late ODM leader was more than a political ally to him.
“I’m here in Kisumu to see Mama Ida Odinga and family tomorrow at Opoda Farm. Rt Hon Raila Amolo Odinga was more than a political ally; he was a brother and a friend,” Kalonzo’s statement read in part.
Kalonzo and Raila’s friendship lasted for years. In 2013, Kalonzo was Raila’s running mate in the presidential election under the Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD).
The party leader shelved his presidential aspirations after he agreed to back Raila. Unfortunately, they lost the race to the former president Uhuru Kenyatta, who clinched the presidency.
Despite the defeat, Kalonzo still backed Raila as his running mate in the 2017 polls under the National Super Alliance (NASA). The duo still didn’t make it to the presidency.
The defeat wasn’t enough to make Kalonzo opt out of his partnership with Raila, even when the likes of Moses Wetang’ula and Musalia Mudavadi joined the Kenya Kwanza Alliance in the 2022 polls.
Despite not being Raila’s running mate, Kalonzo still backed Raila’s bid for the presidency under the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition.
This time too, Raila didn’t get to the presidency after he lost to Ruto, who was his strongest opponent at the time.
Even after Raila’s death, Kalonzo has continued to honour his friendship with a political veteran. He paid an emotional tribute to him, terming him a patriot.
“We honour the legacy of a patriot who gave everything for his country and his people,” Kalonzo said.
How Kenyans reacted to Kalonzo’s visit
Kenyans took to social media platforms to react to Kalonzo’s move, with some terming him the country’s next president.
Mkaazi wa Ikolomani:
“Anyone saying Kalonzo the 6th join me.”
Emily Ameck:
“You used to say,’ I am ready to die with my brother, ‘ during elections. Still a brother indeed.”
Jkt Mtetezi the senior:
“And the president-elect is SKM practising for 2027.”
Jacob Muthengi:
“The 6th man Steve.”
Abdi Rashid:
“When you are sworn in 2027 as the president of Kenya, follow the footsteps and admiration of Baba.”
Walter Peter:
“Happy are you, Opondo Magwena, for Kalonzo came to see you!”
Source: TUKO.co.ke
