Opposition leaders have revealed plans to visit the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s rural home in Bondo, Siaya County, where they intend to honor his memory and celebrate his remarkable political journey and legacy.
Speaking on Saturday evening during the Ngemi ya Watho cultural festival in Kiambu County, Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka announced that a team of opposition figures would be traveling to Bondo next Thursday.
The planned visit, he said, will serve as both a cultural and symbolic event in remembrance of Raila Odinga, who dedicated his life to fighting for democracy, justice, and the rights of ordinary Kenyans.
Kalonzo invited all Kenyans to accompany him to Bondo, describing the upcoming trip as a unique cultural celebration that would blend mourning with appreciation for Raila’s life and heritage.
“Since we are still in the mourning period, I am calling upon all Kenyans to join me on Thursday as we head to Bondo to pay our respects and celebrate Raila’s life in a traditional way.
Let us go to Bondo in a style like no other, and together, let us shout ‘Jowi’ to honor his spirit,” Kalonzo said passionately.
While addressing the gathering, Kalonzo also criticized President William Ruto, accusing him of being insincere in his public expressions of grief over Raila’s death.
He argued that Ruto’s actions during Raila’s lifetime showed opposition to many of the causes Raila championed, including the push for the 2010 Constitution.
“There’s no way William Ruto and his allies can claim to mourn Raila Odinga genuinely. These are the same people who opposed his vision for this country.
Those of us who truly believe in Raila’s legacy and the Constitution of 2010 should go to Bondo to celebrate his life and culture.
People are donating cows and goats in his honor — let us also go and take part in this celebration of tradition,” Kalonzo stated.
The planned trip to Bondo will mark the first large-scale gathering of opposition leaders at Raila’s gravesite since his burial on October 19. The visit is expected to draw thousands of supporters who wish to pay tribute to the late opposition icon.
Kalonzo’s announcement also comes amid reports that Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has been planning his own visit to Bondo to pay his respects at Raila’s resting place.
However, Gachagua was notably absent during Raila’s state funeral, which took place on Sunday, October 19, although he did share a condolence message on his social media platforms after Raila’s death.
Meanwhile, a section of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leadership has reportedly cautioned Gachagua against making the trip, following recent remarks by Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga that sparked tension within Raila’s political circles.
In the weeks following Raila’s burial, leaders from across Kenya and even other African countries have been making their way to his Opoda home in Bondo to pay their last respects.
The grave, located at Kang’o ka Jaramogi, has now become a major symbol of remembrance for one of Kenya’s most influential political figures, whose legacy continues to inspire millions.
Kalonzo’s upcoming visit is being viewed not only as a mourning event but also as a reaffirmation of the opposition’s unity and commitment to continue Raila’s fight for democracy, equality, and justice in Kenya.
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