Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka has formally announced that a delegation of opposition leaders will visit the family of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga in Bondo, Siaya County, this coming Thursday, November 6, 2025, to offer their official condolences. The announcement, made on Monday, November 3, 2025, at the SKM Command Centre in Nairobi, confirms that the Odinga family has given its approval for the formal visit.

The visit is intended to show solidarity with the family and honour the legacy of Odinga, who was buried on October 19, 2025. Mr. Musyoka explained that many leaders and friends of the late statesman had respected the family's wish for a quick and private burial, and would now pay their respects collectively. "Because our brother said he should be buried as quickly as possible, we did not get a chance. Many of Raila's friends have decided that we will go together to tell the family that we still stand with them," Musyoka stated in Swahili.

Political Undertones and Opposition Unity

While the visit is primarily for mourning, its political significance has not been lost on observers. It will be the first major gathering of opposition figures at the Kang'o ka Jaramogi homestead since Odinga's passing and comes at a critical time for the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition. The coalition, which Odinga led, has faced internal realignments and questions about its future direction. This joint visit by senior opposition figures is widely interpreted as a public display of unity and a reinforcement of the political bonds forged under Odinga's leadership.

Speaking at a cultural festival in Murang'a on Saturday, November 1, 2025, Musyoka framed the upcoming visit as a culturally significant event to honour a national icon, hinting that the delegation would bring livestock as a traditional sign of respect. He also used the occasion to criticize what he termed as insincere mourning by President William Ruto and his allies, asserting that only those who supported Odinga's fight for the 2010 Constitution could genuinely grieve his loss. "There is no way William Ruto and his ilk can pretend to mourn Raila Amolo Odinga," Musyoka remarked.

A Stream of High-Profile Visitors

The Odinga family home in Bondo has seen a continuous stream of high-profile visitors since the former Prime Minister was laid to rest. Dignitaries including former First Lady Mama Ngina Kenyatta, former President Uhuru Kenyatta, and Chief Justice Martha Koome have all made the trip to Siaya County to pay their respects to the Odinga family. The family, now headed by Raila Odinga Junior following a traditional ceremony on October 21, 2025, has maintained an open-door policy for mourners. Raila Jr. has publicly extended an open invitation to all Kenyans, regardless of their political affiliation, to visit and honour his father's memory.

This inclusive stance was highlighted amid controversy surrounding a planned visit by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. While some local ODM party officials had expressed reservations following inflammatory remarks by Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga, Raila Jr. clarified that the family had not barred anyone from mourning. Mr. Musyoka's announcement confirmed that a broad delegation, potentially including Mr. Gachagua, would be part of the Thursday visit.

End of an Era

Kalonzo Musyoka's relationship with Raila Odinga was a cornerstone of Kenyan opposition politics for nearly two decades, marked by alliances in the CORD and NASA coalitions where Musyoka twice served as Odinga's running mate. Despite periods of political disagreement, their partnership defined a significant chapter in Kenya's democratic struggle. Musyoka's presence at the burial, for which he cancelled an overseas trip, was seen as a final act of loyalty to a long-time comrade. In an emotional tribute during the state funeral, Musyoka spoke of their shared, unfulfilled dream of leading Kenyans to "Canaan," pledging that the ideals Odinga stood for would not be in vain. This upcoming formal visit serves as both a personal condolence and a political statement, signaling the opposition's intent to carry forward the legacy of its departed leader.