Opposition leader Kalonzo Musyoka has announced plans to visit the grave of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga in Bondo, Siaya County, next Thursday. Speaking at the Ngemi ya Watho festival in Kiambu County, he invited Kenyans to join in a cultural celebration of Odinga's life. Kalonzo criticized President William Ruto's mourning as hypocritical.
For the first time since the state funeral of Raila Odinga on October 19, opposition leaders have planned a gathering at his gravesite in Bondo. Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka revealed the plan during his speech on Saturday evening at the Ngemi ya Watho festival in Kiambu County. He described the event as a cultural celebration recognizing Raila's native culture and a life well lived.
“Since we are still in the mourning period, I welcome you to join me on Thursday so that we can go and shout Jowi. Let us go to Bondo next Thursday in a style like no other," Kalonzo said.
Kalonzo criticized President William Ruto for insincere mourning of Odinga, claiming Ruto was among politicians who strongly opposed Raila's initiatives, including the fight for the 2010 constitution. "This is because there is no way William Ruto and his ilk can pretend to mourn Raila Odinga. Those of us who feel we have an inheritance in the Constitution 2010, let us go to Bondo, people are giving out cows and goats, let us also go and celebrate the culture,” Kalonzo added.
Reports indicate that former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has also planned a visit to Bondo to pay tribute to Raila. However, a section of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party warned Gachagua against visiting Raila's home following remarks by Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga. Leaders from across the country and the continent continue to visit Raila's Opoda farm in Bondo to pay last respects at his grave in Kang'o ka Jaramogi.