Former Vice President and Wiper Party Leader, H.E. Dr. Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka, has expressed deep sorrow following the passing of Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga, Kenya’s Second Prime Minister and one of the country’s most iconic political figures.
In a moving statement issued from London, where he is currently on a 10-day official programme, Kalonzo recounted receiving the devastating news of Raila’s death shortly after arriving at Heathrow International Airport.
“I received the devastating news of the death of the Second Prime Minister of the Republic of Kenya and my dear brother, Rt Hon Raila Amolo Odinga, this morning, upon my arrival in London. Kenya has lost an exemplary leader — the President who won but was never declared and sworn into office,” Kalonzo said.
Fondly referred to as “Baba” by his supporters, and even admired by his fiercest critics, Kalonzo described Raila as “a force of nature” and “the Champion of the Second Political Liberation”, highlighting his central role in Kenya’s struggle for multiparty democracy.
“Raila’s body bore the scars of the slings and arrows, bullets and batons, that no man or woman should ever endure. Yet, upon release from detention, he always emerged with his fist raised high — a symbol of defiance and hope,” Kalonzo stated.
He paid tribute to Raila’s pivotal role in the 2010 Constitution, saying his leadership helped shift Kenya from an imperial presidency to a people-centered governance structure.
“From the Opposition benches to the Prime Minister’s office, Raila played an instrumental role in the promulgation of the New Constitution. For that, we owe him our immense gratitude,” Kalonzo added.
Reflecting on their close political partnership over the years, Kalonzo recalled his time as Raila’s running mate in the CORD, NASA, and Azimio la Umoja–One Kenya Coalition formations. He spoke of the deep bond and shared experiences they had — both triumphant and painful.
“Since 2013, I had the singular privilege of working very closely and passionately with my brother. We learnt a lot from each other, and shared a lot of pain together,” he said.
Kalonzo extended his heartfelt condolences to Mama Ida Odinga, and Raila’s children — Rosemary, Raila Junior, and Winnie — assuring them of his personal solidarity and prayers during this period of immense grief.
“As much as I cannot imagine the heartbreak you are currently going through, I want you to know that my family and I stand with you. The whole nation is praying for you,” he said.
Describing Raila’s passing as not just a national tragedy, but a continental loss, Kalonzo noted that the entire African continent has lost a courageous and visionary statesman.
In honour of the fallen leader, Kalonzo announced a rearrangement of his UK schedule.
“I will miss my brother and friend dearly. I am therefore rearranging my schedule of engagements in the United Kingdom in honour of my fallen brother,” he concluded.
Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga, a veteran of Kenya’s political landscape and a symbol of resilience, leaves behind an indelible legacy of sacrifice, reform, and hope. The Government of Kenya is expected to release funeral arrangements in the coming days.
