Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka on Thursday, November 6, 2025, led a large delegation to the Bondo home of the late opposition leader Raila Odinga, a visit rich with cultural symbolism and potent political undertones. [2, 3] The event drew a significant endorsement from Democratic Action Party (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa, who underscored Musyoka's deep-rooted political history with the Odinga family, in a move widely interpreted as an early signal in the opposition's succession race. [2]

Mr. Musyoka, accompanied by Ukambani governors, senators, MPs, and a contingent of over 500 supporters, arrived at Opoda Farm to pay tribute to Mr. Odinga, who passed away on October 15, 2025. [2, 3] In a powerful traditional gesture, he presented the Odinga family with approximately 100 cattle, an act of profound respect in Luo custom known as 'Tero Buru', meant to honour a departed elder of great stature. [3, 11] Carrying a shield and spear, Musyoka was greeted with chants of “Jowi!”—a Luo term for buffalo, used to hail a warrior—further cementing the visit's cultural significance. [3]

In a statement released the same day via social media, Mr. Wamalwa praised the gesture, positioning Mr. Musyoka as one of the late leader's most steadfast allies. “We all walked and worked with Baba Raila Odinga in the trenches and in government, but few of us walked with him longer than Kalonzo Musyoka, who today returned to Bondo to honour his brother,” Wamalwa stated on Thursday. [2] This commendation is particularly noteworthy given that Wamalwa, alongside Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, had also paid tribute by presenting cattle on the eve of Odinga's burial. [3]

A History of Shifting Alliances

The relationship between Musyoka and Odinga has been a cornerstone of Kenyan opposition politics for over a decade, marked by both collaboration and friction. Mr. Musyoka served as Mr. Odinga's presidential running mate in the 2013 and 2017 general elections under the CORD and NASA coalitions, respectively. [7, 11] Their alliance, however, has navigated periods of significant strain, most notably following the contentious 2007 election, when Musyoka joined President Mwai Kibaki's government as Vice-President, a move that created a rift with Odinga's camp. [7, 13]

Mr. Wamalwa also shares a long political history with Odinga, having served as Minister for Justice, National Cohesion and Constitutional Affairs in the Grand Coalition Government when Odinga was Prime Minister. [10] His DAP-K party was a constituent member of the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition that fronted Odinga's 2022 presidential bid. [10] The historical ties of both leaders to Odinga provide critical context to the current political realignments following the veteran leader's death.

Succession Undertones in Bondo

Beyond the expressions of condolence, Mr. Musyoka's visit was laden with actions signaling a bid for political succession. In a move of major symbolic weight, he handed what were termed “instruments of power” to Raila Junior, the late leader’s son, stating the gesture was intended to act as a link between the Kamba and Luo communities. [4] Furthermore, Musyoka announced plans for a week-long national tribute to celebrate Odinga's legacy, particularly his championing of devolution. [4]

The warm reception from the Odinga family, with matriarch Ida Odinga recalling how her late husband fondly referred to Musyoka as “Stevo,” was seen as a crucial acceptance of his tribute. [2] These events occur against a backdrop of uncertainty within the Azimio coalition, which Mr. Musyoka himself recently described as “dysfunctional.” [22] Mr. Wamalwa’s DAP-K is among parties that have indicated an intention to exit the coalition, making his public praise for a fellow principal a significant political statement. [22]

During the visit, Mr. Musyoka also confirmed that former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua had expressed his intention to visit Opoda Farm to pay his respects, indicating that the mourning period continues to transcend political divisions. [6, 8] Nonetheless, the meticulously choreographed tribute by Mr. Musyoka, and its endorsement by Mr. Wamalwa, has firmly positioned the Wiper leader at the centre of discussions about the future leadership of Kenya's opposition.