Tension and disappointment marked the state funeral of the late Raila Amolo Odinga at Nyayo National Stadium after Wiper Nominated MCA Mbithe Mulinge publicly criticized the event’s organizing committee for sidelining Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka. Speaking shortly after the ceremony, Mbithe expressed anger and frustration, accusing the committee of disrespecting Kalonzo despite his long-standing loyalty and friendship with the late opposition chief.
“Ile takataka tumeona hapo Nyayo Stadium tusione huko Bondo. Baba alipenda Kalonzo na Kalonzo alikuwa anapenda Baba. Mkose kumtambua Bondo mtaona,” she declared, her voice filled with emotion. The statement, roughly translated, means: “The nonsense we saw at Nyayo should not happen in Bondo. Raila loved Kalonzo, and Kalonzo loved Raila. If you fail to recognize him in Bondo, you will see the consequences.”
Her remarks have sparked fresh debate among political observers and supporters of the Azimio coalition, who have been closely watching how the alliance handles Raila’s succession and internal unity. Many saw Kalonzo’s apparent sidelining at the state funeral as a sign of growing divisions within the coalition, particularly as leaders jostle to fill the vacuum left by Raila’s passing.
Mbithe Mulinge’s defense of Kalonzo highlights the deep emotional and political bond between the two leaders. Over the years, Raila and Kalonzo maintained a complex but respectful political relationship characterized by mutual admiration and shared struggles. Despite their differences, Kalonzo stood by Raila in his final political battles
