Kalonzo Musyoka has spoken strongly against the disrespectful labels that were directed at the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga during his lifetime.
He said it was painful to see a man who dedicated his life to fighting for the rights and freedoms of Kenyans being called names such as “mganga” and “mchawi.”
While addressing mourners at Kango ka Jaramogi on Thursday, November 6, 2025, the former Vice President expressed deep disappointment over how critics mocked Raila simply because he stood up for justice and good governance.
Kalonzo said that such insults were not only unfair to Raila but also to the Odinga family, who have played a key role in shaping Kenya’s political journey.
He reminded Kenyans that Raila was not the kind of man his opponents tried to portray. He was a courageous and visionary leader who always placed the country’s interests above his own. Kalonzo insisted that it was wrong for anyone to associate the Odinga family with witchcraft or any form of sorcery.
He said that these false claims were meant to destroy the reputation of a man who gave everything for Kenya’s democracy.
The Wiper leader further stated that he had worked closely with Raila for many years, supporting him three times and serving as his deputy in two presidential campaigns. If there had been any truth to those allegations, Kalonzo said, he would never have stood by him for so long.
Former Prime Minister the late Raila Odinga. Photo Courtesy/NBC news.
He urged Kenyans to respect Raila’s legacy and allow him to rest in peace without the burden of such false labels.
Kalonzo emphasized that Raila’s commitment to the country’s transformation was unmatched, and the insults hurled at him were a reflection of the moral decay in politics.
He called on leaders and citizens alike to learn from Raila’s example of resilience, courage, and love for the nation.
Kalonzo went on to recall some of the difficult moments they shared in their struggle for justice and democracy. He narrated how they once narrowly escaped death during demonstrations that had turned violent.
He said that during protests against the high cost of living, they joined ordinary Kenyans in wearing sufurias to express their frustrations.
At one point, Kalonzo said, they were almost killed as they tried to flee from Embakasi South after what he described as clear orders to eliminate them. They managed to escape to Karen and took refuge at Raphael Tuju’s residence.
He described those moments as a true test of courage and friendship. Through it all, Raila stood firm, never allowing fear or insults to stop him from speaking for the people. Kalonzo concluded by urging the nation to honor Raila’s memory by rejecting hate and standing up for justice, unity, and truth.
