A Life-Threatening Moment During the 2023 Protests
Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka shared a harrowing memory of a moment he believed he came close to losing his life while standing alongside his long-time political partner and friend, Raila Odinga. The former vice president spoke during a gathering at Kang’o Ka Jaramogi in Bondo, Siaya county, where he joined leaders and supporters to pay his final respects to the late opposition chief.
In a moving tribute, he reflected on Raila’s lifelong push for a fairer country and the sacrifices he made in the process. “The man resting here could have led this country as commander in chief. We went through difficult moments together,” Kalonzo said.
The 2023 Protest: A Dangerous Encounter
Kalonzo revisited a 2023 protest in Nairobi, during which Kenyans were demonstrating over the rising cost of living. Raila and Kalonzo were at the frontlines of the demonstrations, which were met by heavy police force. Officers lobbed teargas and used water cannons, and several protesters were reported dead or wounded by live rounds.
He recalled a tense moment during those protests. “Some of us wore sufurias on our heads. We came close to dying. Raila and I escaped from Embakasi South and that day felt like someone had issued orders for us to be eliminated, mainly Raila,” he said.
He described how they managed to flee and made a stop at the home of Raphael Tuju in Karen. After cleaning up, Raila asked him to step outside to look at the vehicle they had used.
Bullet Marks on the Car: A Clear Warning
It was then that the extent of the danger became clear. “We found that the car had been hit several times. We counted about ten bullet marks aimed at Raila. If it were not for the armoured vehicle, Kenya would have buried him in 2023. God protected him,” Kalonzo said.
The former vice president explained that these shared struggles informed his choice of attire for the burial. He wore jungle green military-like regalia, saying he dressed as a comrade who had stood with Raila through difficult years.
Addressing Critics and Continuing the Legacy
Kalonzo also addressed Raila’s critics who had labelled him with demeaning spiritual references after the 2022 election loss. He said Raila was a man of faith and someone who devoted his life to Kenya’s progress. “This is not a wizard or a witch doctor. May he rest in peace, and no one should ever use such names on the Oginga Odinga family again,” Kalonzo said.
He went on to say that Raila’s influence would grow even further in death. He advised Raila’s widow, Idah Odinga, to prepare for many visitors who may come to the gravesite, noting the short 72-hour timeline Raila had set for his burial.
A Cultural Gift: Bulls as a Condolence Offering
foot-care.co.ke earlier reported that Kalonzo arrived at Raila’s home in a lively mid-morning convoy that drew huge crowds. Residents lined the road to watch him enter the homestead, many waving leaves as they welcomed the Wiper leader.
He walked into the compound leading several bulls that he had brought as a condolence gift to Ida and the family. The bulls were received with song and celebration, marking a warm connection between the Odinga and Musyoka families and giving the visit a deep cultural meaning weeks after Raila’s burial.
