Karua Criticizes Government Over Handling of Raila Odinga’s Burial in Bondo
People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua has strongly criticized the government for what she termed as mishandling of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s burial ceremony in Bondo, Siaya County.
Speaking on Tuesday morning, Karua faulted President William Ruto’s administration for failing to acknowledge the presence of key opposition leaders who attended the funeral of the veteran opposition figure.
She argued that while the government took time to recognize Members of Parliament and other dignitaries, it completely ignored her and her fellow opposition principals who were also in attendance.
Among those present from the opposition side included Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, DAP-Kenya leader Eugene Wamalwa, and Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya.
Karua, who served as Raila Odinga’s running mate in the 2022 General Election, expressed disappointment that she was not allowed to deliver her remarks despite her close political association with the deceased.
“Calling it a lack of enough time to speak is an understatement; I wasn’t given any time at all,” Karua said during an interview on Spice FM. “While it was good that the government decided to grant Raila Odinga a state burial, it was wrong for them to act as though they owned the event and to exclude others, especially the opposition.”
The former Justice Minister added that Kenya is a democratic and multi-party country, and therefore, all political sides deserved recognition during such a historic occasion. “Both at Nyayo Stadium and in Bondo, the opposition should have been officially acknowledged, even if time did not allow for speeches,” she emphasized.
Karua accused the Ruto administration of standing against everything Raila Odinga fought for and suggested that the government’s actions were an attempt to erase his legacy.
She maintained that the values Odinga defended throughout his life were not in line with what the current administration represents.
Interestingly, during the burial service at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki—who acted as the master of ceremonies—did recognize Kalonzo Musyoka and gave him a chance to address mourners.
Kindiki clarified that the decision had been made by Odinga’s family and that Kalonzo would speak on behalf of the opposition.
Despite this, Karua insisted that the government should have officially recognized all opposition leaders present and treated them with the respect due to their roles in Kenya’s political landscape.
In the same interview, Karua revealed that she has already set her sights on the 2027 General Election, confirming that her PLP party had given her the green light to run for president.
She said her focus was now on preparing for the next election rather than dwelling on what transpired at the funeral.
“There’s another election in 2027, and that gives me a chance to vie for the top seat and serve Kenyans as their President,” she said. “I’ve already declared my interest, and PLP has officially endorsed my bid.”
Karua, who has been an outspoken critic of President Ruto’s administration, reiterated her discontent with how the government has been handling national matters.
She accused the leadership of failing to address the struggles of ordinary Kenyans and of being out of touch with the country’s pressing challenges.
In recent months, the PLP leader has consistently attacked the administration for what she describes as incompetence, poor governance, and misplaced priorities.
Her latest remarks during Raila Odinga’s burial have once again positioned her as one of the leading voices of dissent in Kenya’s opposition politics.
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