The Untold Story of Kalonzo Musyoka’s Loyalty and Sacrifice for Raila Odinga and the Luo Nation
For more than a decade, KALONZO Musyoka stood shoulder to shoulder with Raila Odinga — not for power, not for position, but out of conviction, loyalty, and belief in a just Kenya.
From 2013, when he accepted to be Raila’s running mate, Kalonzo knew the road ahead would be rough. When they lost that election to Uhuru Kenyatta, many around him whispered that Raila’s time had passed. The system dangled carrots before Kalonzo — promises of power, comfort, and privilege — if only he would abandon Raila. But he stood firm. Together, they faced tear gas, arrests, and the cold streets of protest. When Raila cried “IEBC must go!” and “Sabasaba!”, KALONZO was right there — not behind him, but beside him — sharing in the struggle.
Then came 2017. Once again, Kalonzo stood with Raila, defying critics who mocked him as “Raila’s shadow” or said “Raila carries his brain.” He ignored the noise and chose loyalty over convenience. They fought through the courts, challenged the system, and even after the election was nullified, KALONZO stayed in the trenches. He was part of the resistance, the boycotts, the defiance — never once seeking personal gain. And when Raila chose to shake hands with Uhuru Kenyatta, Kalonzo did not rush ahead or rebel. He allowed Raila to lead, respected his decision, and continued to serve under his guidance as a true friend and comrade.
Then came 2022 — a moment of deep test and betrayal. Once again, Raila asked for Kalonzo’s support. Despite the sacrifices he had made, Kalonzo was denied the running mate position, even after a public “interview” that many saw as humiliating. Raila chose Martha Karua. For a moment, Kalonzo was wounded — not out of pride, but out of disbelief that after years of unwavering loyalty, his trust could be overlooked. Yet, true to his character, he swallowed his pride, forgave, and campaigned tirelessly for Raila once more.
When they lost and the Supreme Court upheld Ruto’s victory, Kalonzo could have easily crossed over, taken a ministerial post, and enjoyed government perks. But he didn’t. He stood by Raila again — through the Sufuria demonstrations, through persecution, and even when his own life was in danger. And when Raila later joined the broad-based government, Kalonzo did not erupt in bitterness or betrayal. He remained calm, respectful, and understanding — because for him, loyalty was not conditional.
Now, as the curtains fall on Raila Odinga’s remarkable life and legacy, let us not allow opportunists to rewrite history. Let us not forget the man who stood with Raila when it was most dangerous to do so; who endured humiliation, exclusion, and temptation — all for the sake of loyalty and principle.
Kalonzo Musyoka deserves the respect and gratitude of the Luo community — not because he seeks it, but because he earned it. He carried the burden of friendship and solidarity for more than fifteen years, helping Raila keep the dream of a better Kenya alive.
History will remember Kalonzo Musyoka not as a mere ally of Raila Odinga, but as the brother who stood by him — through defeat and disappointment, through betrayal and sacrifice — until the very end.
Today, we said “Thank You.”
Thank you, Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga, our Second Prime Minister, for your lifelong sacrifice and unwavering commitment to our beloved Kenya, to Africa, and to humanity as a whole. Your courage, resilience, and love for this nation have inspired generations and helped shape the democracy we are so proud of today. Baba, will never be forgotten. Your flame will be kept alive.
A special thank you to Mama Ida Odinga and the entire Odinga family for sharing the Prime Minister with us for all these years. Your patience, strength, and understanding have been the quiet foundation beneath his public service. Because of your support, Kenya stands taller — a freer, fairer, and more hopeful nation.
With full hearts, we simply say: thank you.