- Mama Ida Odinga was left speechless at some point as Kalonzo Musyoka led a massive Ukambani delegation to mourn Raila Odinga in Bondo
- In a display of honour, Kalonzo arrived with 100 head of cattle, honouring Luo mourning traditions for a leader of Raila’s stature
- Ida described the gesture as unprecedented, admitting she had to confirm the number with James Orengo after doubting her own hearing
Mama Ida Odinga was lost for words as she hosted a packed delegation from Ukambani that visited her home in Opoda, Siaya County, to pay homage to the late Raila Odinga.
Source: Twitter
The team, comprising hundreds of mourners, was led by Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and included other regional leaders, governors, senators, MPs, and even the council of elders representing various Kamba clans.
How Kalonzo arrived in Bondo
Kalonzo’s first stop was at Kang’o Ka Jaramogi, where Raila was laid to rest.
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In the company of his delegation, the Wiper leader armed himself with the ceremonial shield and spear as he chanted the famous Jowi! Jowi! dirge as he made his way to Raila’s grave.
In observance of mourning traditions, especially those surrounding a person of Raila’s stature, the Wiper leader arrived with head of cattle in a spectacle of honour and reverence for the deceased ODM leader.
Kalonzo brought with him 100 head of cattle.
How Ida Odinga reacted to Kalonzo’s 100 cattle
The gesture stunned the widowed Mama Ida.
Addressing the guests, Ida struggled to immediately process the display put up by Kalonzo and his delegation.
She said Kalonzo’s gesture was unprecedented.
“The guests who came today, you have done something that is not very common in this part of the area. We know when you go to mourn someone, you can go with two or three cows, but Honourable Kalonzo Musyoka came with 100 heads of cattle. When he said, I thought my ear was not working or serving me well. So I had to call Honourable James Orengo to come and help me hear what he was saying. And not only that, he went and showed us the 100 heads of cattle. Isn’t that good?” she said.
Besides the cattle, Kalonzo’s delegation carried with it foodstuffs that Ida noted were enough to feed the family and other mourners for a long time.
A touched Mama Ida said those who would show up will have plenty to eat as they show up to honour Raila.
“Not to mention the lot of foodstuffs that they’ve come with. Thank you so much. And I’m sure those who are going to come after you to the funeral, there’s plenty of food. Don’t worry. The Akamba nation has brought us a lot of food that we are going to eat until Christmas and beyond. Thank you so much,” she said.
Earlier, Ida recognised Kalonzo for being her friend’s trusted friend for many years.
She recalled the former vice president shelving his presidential ambitions three times to support Raila.
Kalonzo unsuccessfully supported Raila in the 2013, 2017 and 2022 general elections. Such, Ida said, was a testament of their closeness.
“Only those who loved Raila Odinga are the ones who come here to the funeral. And for that, I’m very grateful. Honourable Kalonzo Musyoka has been a friend of Baba for many, many years. And that friendship cannot be wiped out. Because when you see him coming here with his team, it is genuine. It is genuine because he’s come to mourn his friend,” he said.
Source: Twitter
On his part, Kalonzo restated having lost a confidant and longtime friend.
He said his return and tribute three weeks after Raila’s send-off was to make good his promise to properly mourn his friend after time constraints made it difficult.
Kalonzo, a two-time presidential running mate to Raila, consoled the family, this as he admired his role in shaping Kenya’s history.
How Kalonzo remembered Raila Odinga
The Wiper leader recounted a harrowing moment when he feared for his life while standing beside his longtime ally during the protests against the high cost of living in 2023.
In a heartfelt tribute, Kalonzo honoured Raila’s relentless fight for justice and the personal cost of that mission.
Reflecting on the close call with death during the 2023 protests, Kalonzo recalled how he and Raila led from the front as police responded with teargas, water cannons, and live ammunition. They saw many demonstrators being felled with bullets.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
