By James Okoth
The quiet of Kang’o ka Jaramogi in Bondo was broken by the sound of songs and prayers as Wiper Party leader Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka led a Ukambani delegation to pay respects to the late Raila Amolo Odinga.
The visit, hosted by Mama Ida Odinga and Siaya Governor James Orengo, turned into a moving reminder of the enduring bond between the Kamba and Luo communities, a political and cultural pact grounded in trust, loyalty and shared struggle.
A Visit Full of Meaning
Kalonzo’s arrival at Opoda Farm was more than a condolence gesture. It was a renewal of a friendship that has stood firm through Kenya’s shifting political tides.
In her speech, Mama Ida Odinga praised Kalonzo for his consistency and humility.
“The friendship Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka had with Raila Odinga can never be wiped out.”
Her words drew applause from the crowd and underlined the emotional weight of the day. Ida spoke not only as a widow mourning her husband, but as a matriarch affirming a political covenant that has weathered decades of change.
Governor James Orengo captured the mood in one memorable line.
“Raila did not die a man, he rose a cause.”
The phrase echoed across the gathering, summing up the sense that Raila’s ideas and struggle for justice would continue through those who believed in him.
A History Etched in Trust
The Kamba-Luo connection is one of the most enduring friendships in Kenya’s political story. It dates back to the partnership between Jaramogi Oginga Odinga and Paul Ngei, two nationalists who fought side by side for freedom.
Their friendship was built on courage and conviction and it laid the moral foundation for future alliances between the two communities.
In later years, leaders like Charity Ngilu carried the same spirit. Her decision in 2013-2022 to abandon her gubernatorial bid and campaign for Raila Odinga was an act of loyalty and belief in a shared dream of reform.
Though the gesture did not yield political victory, it strengthened the bond between Ukambani and the lakeside region, a bond defined not by convenience, but by conscience.
Kalonzo’s Steadfast Journey
For Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka, the Bondo visit was deeply personal. Few Kenyan politicians have demonstrated the patience, restraint and loyalty he has shown.
Time after time, he has set aside his own presidential ambition to back Raila Odinga, even when the political path seemed uncertain. To his critics, it appeared like hesitation. To his supporters, it was a mark of faith.
“Sometimes leadership isn’t about getting there first,” Kalonzo once said, “but ensuring the nation gets there together.”
That belief has defined his career. It also explains why his visit to Bondo carried more symbolism than politics. A show of enduring friendship and shared ideals rather than campaign posturing.
At Opoda Farm, Kalonzo stood quietly beside Mama Ida, laid a wreath and bowed his head in respect. It was a moment of humility and reflection that spoke louder than any rally speech.
A Cultural Covenant
Beyond politics, the unity between the Luo and Kamba peoples is strengthened by shared values. Among the Luo, friendship is proven in times of adversity. Among the Kamba, loyalty is sacred and unwavering.
Both communities value truth, humility and respect. The very virtues that have made their alliance one of the most sincere and resilient in the country’s political landscape.
The relationship has survived leadership transitions, disappointments and betrayals elsewhere because it is grounded in mutual respect rather than expedience.
A New Chapter Ahead
As Kenya looks toward 2027, Kalonzo’s pilgrimage to Bondo has taken on wider meaning. With Raila gone, many view Kalonzo as both custodian and bridge. The man who can carry forward the reformist torch without letting it flicker out.
“Kalonzo carries Raila’s trust and with it, a responsibility to finish what they began.” Governor James Orengo affirmed.
That trust, however, also comes with expectation and the challenge to unite, to lead with humility and to keep the dream alive.
Faith That Outlives Politics
The ceremony ended as it began with song. A Luo dirge slowly turned into a hopeful hymn and Kamba voices joined in harmony. It was a simple yet powerful reminder that unity, when founded on faith, can outlive politics and power.
“The Kamba-Luo bond has never been about convenience. It is about faith, the kind that endures.” A luo elder summed it up.
As the sun sank over the trees of Bondo, Kalonzo Musyoka’s visit, bundled in a symbolic cultural gifting of 100 cows, became more than a tribute. It became a promise that friendship, tested through history and sealed in sincerity, remains the most unbreakable force in Kenya’s politics.
