The long and painful struggle that defined Raila Odinga’s political life will not be in vain, Wiper Patriotic Front Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has assured.
Speaking during Raila’s funeral service in Bondo, Siaya County, Kalonzo vowed to carry on Raila’s legacy saying the sacrifices the ODM leader made for Kenya’s freedom will not be forgotten.
Kalonzo who has been Raila’s running mate in two elections chose to talk to the late former Prime Minister in his tribute.
“To me, Raila was a brother. The pain of it all, the struggle for justice and truth and the fight against corruption, was deep. You know we called you Joshua, but we never got to Canaan,” Kalonzo said, recalling their political journey together.
He likened Raila to the biblical Moses, saying although he never got to see the ‘promised land,’ his vision and courage will guide future generations.
“I have seen in the printed program that you paraphrased Martin Luther King Jr. You have been to the mountaintop, you have seen the promised land. You might never get there with us, but we must get there on your behalf,” he said.
Kalonzo remembered Raila as “the president who won but was never declared nor sworn into office,” commending him for putting the country before personal gain even in moments of betrayal and political loss.
“I give you my pledge, those values you stood for, the tears, the pain of a stolen election will not be in vain.”
“Despite it all, Baba put country before self and even before his family. I vividly remember as we consoled each other the two times we won but did not win, Raila would refer me back to our national anthem,” Kalonzo recalled.
He urged Kenyans to honour Raila’s memory by standing for justice, defending the 2010 Constitution and safeguarding the freedoms he fought for.
“Should just a fraction of you gathered here and watching from all corners of our land honour our fallen leader in this regard, our beloved Kenya will get to Canaan. That I have no doubt of,” he said.
The Wiper leader hailed Raila as a truth-teller and patriot who inspired generations with his wisdom, humour and courage.
“Raila spoke the truth as ugly and as beautiful as it may have been. He mesmerised us with his ‘kitendawilis’, enthralled us with his wit, and enlightened us with his wisdom,” he said.
On the eve of Mashujaa Day, Kalonzo said Kenyans should not mourn but celebrate the life of a hero who devoted himself to the nation’s second liberation.
“Today we no longer mourn. Today we say thank you, Baba. Today we affirm our dignity as a people of faith and hope,” he said.
