- Mama Ida Odinga was left speechless when Kalonzo Musyoka led a large Ukambani delegation to mourn Raila Odinga in Bondo
- In a show of respect, Kalonzo arrived with 100 cows, honoring Luo mourning traditions for a leader of Raila’s stature
- Ida described the sign as unusual, admitting that she had to confirm the number with James Orengo after he doubted her hearing.
Mother Ida Odinga failed to speak when she hosted a packed delegation from Ukambani that visited her home in Opoda, Siaya County, to pay respects to the deceased Raila Odinga.
Source: Twitter
The team, which included hundreds of mourners, was led by a Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and it included other regional leaders, governors, senators, members of parliament, and even a council of elders representing various Wakamba clans.
How Kalonzo landed in Bondo
Kalonzo’s first stop was Kang’o Ka Jaramogi, where Raila was buried.
With his message, the Wiper leader armed himself with a ceremonial shield and spear as he sang the famous Jowi dirge! Jowi! when he was heading to Raila’s grave.
In keeping with mourning traditions, especially those surrounding a man of Raila’s stature, the Wiper leader arrived with a cow’s head in a ceremony of honor and respect for the deceased ODM leader.
Kalonzo brought 100 cows.
How Ida Odinga felt after receiving 100 cows from Kalonzo
The gesture surprised Raila Odinga’s widow Mama Ida.
Addressing the guests, Ida did her best to immediately address the spectacle set by Kalonzo and his message.
He said Kalonzo’s gesture never happened.
“Guests who came today, you have done something that is very unusual in this part of the area. We know when you go to mourn someone, you can go with two or three cows, but Mr. Kalonzo Musyoka came with 100 cows. When he said, I thought my ear was not working or serving me well. So I had to call Mr. James Orengo to come and help me hear what he was saying. And not only that, he went and showed us the cows 100. Isn’t that a good thing?” he said.
Apart from cattle, Kalonzo’s mission carried food that Ida noted was enough to feed the family and other mourners for a long time.
Mama Ida who was touched said those who will come out will have plenty of food when they come out to honor Raila.
“Not forgetting the many foods they brought. Thank you very much. And I am sure that those who will come after you at the funeral, there is enough food. Don’t worry. The Akamba nation has brought us a lot of food that we will eat until Christmas and beyond. Thank you very much,” he said.
Earlier, Ida recognized Kalonzo for being a loyal friend of her friend for many years.
He recalled that the former vice president had set aside his presidential aspirations three times to support Raila.
Kalonzo unsuccessfully supported Raila in the 2013, 2017 and 2022 general elections. That, Ida said, was a testimony of their closeness.
“Only those who loved Raila Odinga come here to the funeral. And for that, I thank him very much. Mr. Kalonzo Musyoka has been a friend of Father for many years. And that friendship cannot be erased. Because when you see him coming here with his team, it is real. It is real because he has come to mourn his friend,” he said.
Source: Twitter
On his part, Kalonzo insisted that he has lost a long-time and close friend.
He said his return and honor three weeks after Raila’s funeral was to fulfill his promise to mourn his friend properly after time constraints made it difficult.
Kalonzo, Raila’s two-time presidential running mate, consoled the family, admiring his role in shaping Kenya’s history.
How Kalonzo remembered Raila Odinga
The Wiper leader recounted the heartbreaking moment he feared for his life as he stood beside his longtime partner during protest against the high cost of living in 2023.
In a heartfelt tribute, Kalonzo honored Raila’s relentless struggle for justice and the personal cost of the mission.
Reflecting on the close call to death during the 2023 protests, Kalonzo recalled how he and Raila led from the front lines as police responded with tear gas, water cannons, and live ammunition. They saw many protesters being shot.
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