Kalonzo made the remarks on Sunday, September 27, 2026, during a visit to Bondo in Siaya County, where he was accompanied by opposition leaders as the political team engaged residents in the Nyanza region.
The Wiper leader reflected on his political association with Raila, saying he stood with the former Prime Minister through three presidential election cycles because he believed in his message.
“For three political seasons, I stood with Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga because I believed in his message and I will not stand by as that legacy is compromised today,” Kalonzo said.
His remarks came as political leaders continue to debate Raila’s legacy following his death and the direction of the opposition movement ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Kalonzo rejects ‘Project’ description
Kalonzo also pushed back against President William Ruto’s description of Raila as a political “project”, insisting that the former Prime Minister was a powerful political leader in his own right.
“Baba was a powerful leader in his own right NOT a ‘Project,’ as Ruto would have it,” Kalonzo said.
He further argued that Raila’s presidential ambitions were frustrated by what he described as electoral manipulation.
Kalonzo linked Raila’s political journey to the wider struggle for freedom and justice associated with his father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga.
“His fight for freedom and justice carried forward the same struggle Jaramogi began, and it must be protected,” he said.
Kalonzo also singled out devolution as one of the major legacies associated with Raila, calling for the system of devolved government to be protected and strengthened.
“Just as devolution, one of his greatest gifts to this nation, must be protected and strengthened,” he added.
Kalonzo’s comments echoed his earlier remarks in Parliament, where he recalled supporting Raila in the 2013, 2017 and 2022 elections and described himself as having been in the political trenches with the former Prime Minister.
‘This journey continues’
The Wiper leader also thanked residents of Bondo and the wider Nyanza region for receiving the delegation.
“To the people of Bondo and Nyanza: thank you for receiving us today. This journey continues, together,” Kalonzo said.
Kalonzo was accompanied by several opposition figures during the Bondo engagement, including DAP-K Party Leader Eugene Wamalwa, Democratic Party leader JB Muturi and former Jubilee Secretary General Raphael Tuju.
Tuju reportedly urged Kalonzo to continue engaging with residents of Bondo and the wider Nyanza region, while recalling Kalonzo’s political association with Raila.
The Bondo visit comes as opposition leaders continue efforts to shape a political alliance ahead of the 2027 elections, with Raila’s legacy remaining a significant part of political conversations in Nyanza and beyond.
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