Former Vice President and Wiper Party Leader Dr. Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka has announced that he is cutting short his official visit to London following the death of Kenya’s Second Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga.
In a statement released upon his arrival at Heathrow International Airport, where he had landed for a scheduled 10-day programme, Kalonzo said he received the devastating news of Raila’s passing with deep sorrow and shock.
“I am therefore rearranging my schedule of engagements in the United Kingdom in honour of my fallen brother,” Kalonzo said.
The Wiper Party Leader, who has been one of Raila Odinga’s closest political allies for over two decades, described the late ODM leader as “a force of nature” and “the President who won but was never declared.”
Kalonzo reflected on their long political journey together, recalling how they stood side by side through the CORD and NASA coalitions, and most recently, the Azimio La Umoja–One Kenya Coalition.
“We learnt a lot from each other and shared a lot of pain together,” he noted, paying tribute to Raila’s unwavering commitment to democracy and justice.
He praised Raila’s role in Kenya’s second liberation and his tireless fight for multiparty democracy, describing him as the “Champion of the Second Political Liberation.”
“Baba’s body bore the scars of bullets and batons that no man or woman should ever endure. Yet every time he walked out of detention, he lifted his fists to the heavens, determined that the pain he suffered would yield freedom for his beloved Kenya,” Kalonzo said.
Kalonzo also lauded Raila’s contribution to the promulgation of the 2010 Constitution, noting that his leadership as Prime Minister helped devolve power from an imperial presidency to a people-centred system of governance.
“From the Opposition benches to the Government side as Prime Minister, to August 27, 2010, the day our New Constitution was promulgated, my brother Raila played an integral role in shaping Kenya’s democratic order,” he stated.
In a message of condolence to the Odinga family, Kalonzo expressed solidarity with Mama Ida and the children, assuring them of prayers and national support during this time of mourning.
“To Mama Ida, Rosemary, Raila Junior, and Winnie, my family and I stand with you. Kenya is united in grief with your family,” he said.
Kalonzo described Raila’s death as a monumental loss not only to Kenya but also to the African continent.
“Kenya has lost an exemplary leader — a Pan-Africanist whose vision and courage transformed generations. His passing is a loss to the continent,” he remarked.
The former Vice President confirmed that he is rearranging his London schedule to dedicate time to honouring his late comrade and friend.
Raila Odinga, 80, passed away early Wednesday while receiving treatment in Kochi, India. His death marks the end of an era in Kenya’s political history and the loss of one of Africa’s most enduring pro-democracy champions.
By Channel 15 News Team
