Former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka delivered a deeply emotional tribute to the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, vowing to carry forward his mission for democracy, justice, and unity in Kenya.
Speaking during Raila’s burial ceremony at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology, Kalonzo eulogized him as a fearless fighter for justice, truth, and anti-corruption, saying his political ideals would live on.
“You Saw the Promised Land but Never Reached Canaan”
In a moving address to mourners, Kalonzo likened Raila to a biblical Joshua who led his people close to the promised land but never crossed over.
“I want to talk to Raila. We called you Joshua, but we never got to Canaan. There were indeed crocodiles across the River Jordan, as you used to say,” Kalonzo said.
He continued,
“My brother Raila, we called you Joshua. You saw the promised land from the mountain top but never reached Canaan. But we will get there on your behalf.”
The Wiper Democratic Movement leader assured mourners that he would uphold Raila’s vision and continue fighting for the values he stood for — democracy, unity, and fairness.
“I give you my pledge — those values you stood for, the tears and pain of stolen elections, will not be in vain. The nation must unite together,” he declared.
Invoking Martin Luther King Jr.’s Words
Kalonzo drew inspiration from a line in the funeral programme, quoting Martin Luther King Jr. to describe Raila’s lifelong struggle for justice and freedom:
“You have been to the mountaintop; you have seen the promised land. You may never get there with us, but we have to get there on your behalf.”
His words resonated deeply with mourners, many of whom wept as they reflected on Raila’s decades-long fight for Kenya’s democracy.
Political Allies and Dignitaries Attend State Burial
Kalonzo was the only opposition leader who addressed the gathering, which was attended by top dignitaries, including:
- Martha Karua (People’s Liberation Party leader)
- David Maraga (former Chief Justice)
- Fred Matiang’i (former Interior CS)
- Eugene Wamalwa (DAP-Kenya leader)
The leaders joined thousands of mourners in paying their last respects to the veteran opposition chief, who was laid to rest at Kang’o ka Jaramogi in Bondo beside his parents, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga and Mary Ajuma Odinga.
