- Kalonzo Musyoka recalled the incident of risking his life during the 2023 protest while standing with Raila Odinga
- The former vice president explained how their escape from South Embakasi exposed the shooting attacks on Raila
- Kalonzo defended Raila’s legacy and addressed the negative comments made against him by critics
Leader of the Wiper Patriotic Front Kalonzo Musyoka he relived the time he believed he almost lost his life while standing with his long-time political partner and friend, Raila Odinga.
Source: Facebook
Kalonzo spoke during a meeting in Kang’o Ka Jaramogi in Bondo, Siaya county, where he joined his leaders and followers to pay his last respects weeks after the burial of the opposition leader.
With great respect, he highlighted Raila’s lifelong drive for a just country and his dedication to the process.
“The man who rests here could have led this country as a commander-in-chief. We went through difficult times together,” Kalonzo said.
How Raila, Kalonzo were almost shot in Nairobi
He revived memories of protest of 2023 in Nairobi, where Kenyans protested about the rising cost of living.
Raila and Kalonzo were at the forefront of the protest which was confronted by a police force.
Officers attacked them with tear gas and water cannons, and several protesters were reportedly killed and others injured. Kalonzo spoke of the tense situation during the protest.
“Some of us wore pots on our heads. We almost died. Raila and I escaped from Embakasi South and that day we felt as if someone had given an order to remove us, especially Raila,” he said.
He remembered how they were able to run and enter the house Raphael Tuju in Karen.
After cleaning himself, Raila asked him to go outside to check the car they used.
How many times was Raila’s car shot at?
That’s when the danger became clear.
“We found out that the car had been hit several times. We counted about 10 bullets aimed at Raila. If it wasn’t for the armored car, Kenya would have buried him in 2023. God protected him,” Kalonzo said.
The former vice president explained that this shared struggle informed his choice of clothing for the funeral.
He wore a green military uniform, saying he dressed like a comrade who had stood by Raila during the difficult years.
Kalonzo added that even though Raila was bedridden, he planned to continue the call for good leadership that marked their political journey.
He also addressed Raila’s critics who referred to him with derogatory spiritual references after his defeat in the 2022 elections.
Kalonzo said Raila was a man of faith and a man who dedicated his life to the development of Kenya.
“This is not a magician or a healer. May he rest in peace, and no one should use such names for Oginga Odinga’s family again,” Kalonzo said.
Kalonzo went on to say that Raila’s influence would grow even more. He advised Raila’s widow, Ida Odingato prepare for the many visitors who may arrive at the grave, noting the short 72-hour schedule that Raila set for his burial.
What gift did Kalonzo give Raila’s family?
Originally TUKO.co.ke reported that Kalonzo arrived at Raila’s home in a morning procession that attracted a large crowd.
Source: Facebook
Residents lined the road to watch him enter the compound, many waving leaves as they welcomed the Wiper leader.
He entered the enclosure leading several bulls that he brought as a condolence gift to Ida and the family.
The bulls were received with songs and celebrations, symbolizing the good relationship between the Odinga and Musyoka families and giving the visit a cultural meaning.
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Source: TUKO.co.ke
