Kalonzo Musyoka's Heartfelt Tribute

Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has penned a poignant tribute to the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, dedicating the 2025 Mashujaa Day celebrations to him. Musyoka described Odinga as a patriotic man whose lifelong fight for democracy, human rights, and national unity left an indelible mark on Kenya.

The tribute was released on Monday, October 20, 2025, just hours before the national Mashujaa Day celebrations in Kitui County and a day after Odinga was laid to rest at his Bondo home in Siaya County on Sunday, October 19, 2025.

A Legacy of Resilience and Sacrifice

In his moving message, Musyoka, who served as Odinga’s running mate in two presidential elections, reflected on Odinga's enduring spirit. He highlighted Odinga's resilience in the face of immense suffering, including years of detention and brutal experiences in torture chambers, noting that these trials did not break his spirit or purpose.

“Years of detention did not stop you. The torture chambers did not faze you. The agony of bungled and stolen elections did not crush you,” Kalonzo wrote, acknowledging the profound challenges that defined Odinga’s political journey.

Musyoka lauded Odinga's unwavering commitment to a just and fair Kenya, envisioning a nation where all citizens, regardless of ethnicity or social standing, would enjoy dignity and equality. He affirmed that Odinga's sacrifices for a united and inclusive country would never be forgotten.

Historical and Political Context

Raila Odinga, who passed away on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at the age of 80, was a central figure in Kenya's political landscape for decades. He was instrumental in the struggle for multi-party democracy in the early 1990s and played a pivotal role in the constitutional reforms that led to the promulgation of the 2010 Constitution.

Odinga ran for the presidency five times, in 1997, 2007, 2013, 2017, and 2022, but was never declared president. Despite these electoral setbacks, his influence in shaping the country's democratic institutions and advocating for the rights of ordinary Kenyans is widely acknowledged.

Kalonzo Musyoka's political alliance with Odinga saw them contest the presidency together in 2013 under the Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD) and again in 2017 as part of the National Super Alliance (NASA). Their political journey was often marked by a shared vision for reforms and a common pursuit of justice, despite periods of political divergence.

Laws, Policy, and Governance

Mashujaa Day, observed annually on October 20, is a public holiday in Kenya dedicated to honouring all heroes who have contributed to the nation's freedom and progress. This year's celebrations in Kitui County are proceeding as planned, with the government encouraging Kenyans to attend in large numbers to also pay tribute to Odinga.

The government spokesperson, Isaac Mwaura, affirmed that Mashujaa Day remains a cornerstone of Kenya's collective identity, a constitutionally enshrined public holiday under the Public Holidays Act and Article 9(3) of the Constitution of Kenya (2010).

Stakeholders and Testimonies

Odinga's state funeral on Sunday, October 19, 2025, in Bondo, Siaya County, was attended by numerous dignitaries, including President William Ruto, former President Uhuru Kenyatta, and former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo. Speakers eulogised Odinga as a selfless pan-Africanist and a champion of democracy.

Kalonzo, speaking at the funeral service, likened Odinga to the biblical Joshua, leading Kenyans towards a promised land of justice and equality, even if he did not personally reach it. He pledged to continue Odinga's fight for justice and the defence of the 2010 Constitution.

Evidence/Data Box

• Date of Raila Odinga's passing: Wednesday, October 15, 2025
• Date of Raila Odinga's burial: Sunday, October 19, 2025
• Mashujaa Day 2025: Monday, October 20, 2025
• Location of Mashujaa Day 2025 celebrations: Ithookwe Stadium, Kitui County
• Kalonzo Musyoka served as Raila Odinga's running mate in: 2013 and 2017 presidential elections

Unknowns and Controversies

While Kalonzo Musyoka's tribute highlights Odinga's unwavering commitment to democracy, the political landscape following Odinga's death presents uncertainties. Discussions among leaders at the burial touched upon the need for Odinga's Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party to remain united and potentially form or join the next government after the 2027 elections. However, some ODM party officials have expressed division regarding honouring a political pact with the current government.

What to Watch

As Kenya observes Mashujaa Day and continues to mourn Raila Odinga, the focus will be on how his political legacy influences future alliances and the direction of the ODM party. The upcoming 2027 general election will test the unity and resolve of various political factions in the absence of Odinga's towering presence. Kalonzo Musyoka's renewed commitment to Odinga's ideals suggests a continued push for constitutionalism and justice in Kenyan politics.