Former Vice President and Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka has paid an emotional tribute to the late Raila Odinga, describing him as “the President who won but was never declared.”
In a heartfelt condolence message released from London, United Kingdom, where he is on a 10-day official visit, Kalonzo said he received the news of Raila’s passing upon arrival at Heathrow International Airport, calling it “devastating and deeply personal.”
“Raila Odinga, fondly referred to as ‘Baba’ by his supporters, was more than an enigma. He was a force of nature that kept going despite all the hurdles put in front of him,” Kalonzo said.
The former Vice President eulogized Raila as a patriot, pan-Africanist, and democrat who sacrificed his freedom and comfort for Kenya’s democracy. He recalled that Raila was the longest-serving political detainee in Kenya’s history, whose courage and resilience defined the nation’s struggle for multiparty democracy.
“At each point of release from detention, he would raise his arms to the heavens, his fist clenched in determination, resolved that the tears and scars he suffered would yield democracy and freedom for Kenya. That is why we call him the Champion of the Second Liberation,” Kalonzo wrote.
Kalonzo described their decades-long political partnership as one built on shared ideals and mutual respect. He recounted working closely with Raila as his running mate in the CORD and NASA coalitions, as well as a partner in the Azimio la Umoja – One Kenya Coalition.
“We learnt a lot from each other and shared a lot of pain together,” he noted, adding that Raila’s role in championing the 2010 Constitution was “instrumental in devolving power from an imperial presidency to a people-centered constitutional order.”
In his message, Kalonzo also extended condolences to Mama Ida Odinga, and the entire Odinga family — Rosemary, Raila Junior, and Winnie — saying that the nation stands in solidarity with them.
“Kenya has lost an exemplary leader, the President who won but was never declared and sworn into office. The loss of Raila Odinga is not only a loss to his family and country, but also to the entire African continent,” Kalonzo said.
He further announced that he would rearrange his schedule in the UK to honor Raila’s memory and participate in the national mourning period once he returns to Kenya.
“I will miss my brother and friend dearly. May God rest the soul of Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga in everlasting peace,” Kalonzo concluded.
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