Kalonzo blames Migwena violence for Uhuru’s absence from Raila memorial

Kalonzo blames Migwena violence for Uhuru’s absence from Raila memorial

He called on the Inspector General of Police and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations to investigate the people behind the violence, rather than focus only on those arrested at the scene.

Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has revealed that former President Uhuru Kenyatta missed former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s first anniversary commemoration in Bondo after his advance team reportedly discovered that the event had been infiltrated by “people acting in bad faith”.

Speaking on Monday during his State of the Nation Address, Kalonzo condemned the disorder witnessed at Migwena Cultural Grounds, stating that it was contrary to the spirit of unity and respect that the Odinga family had hoped to see during the memorial.

The disturbance saw groups of youths engage in confrontations, disrupting proceedings as security officers moved in to restore order. Some youths reportedly threw stones towards the VIP tent, forcing leaders to seek cover as tensions escalated.

Police arrested five suspects in connection with the violence that disrupted the ceremony. According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), a machete, a sword and a knife were among the weapons recovered during the arrests.

The five suspects are being held in custody pending arraignment, while the recovered weapons have been detained as exhibits.

Kalonzo said the incident was particularly troubling because Raila’s family had welcomed those who came to honour the former Prime Minister, despite the pain of losing a husband, father and brother.

Latest Stories

He recalled that Raila’s daughter, Winnie, had said during the official opening of her father’s mausoleum that the late opposition leader believed everyone should be allowed to express their views.

Kalonzo said those who attended the anniversary chose to remain at the venue despite the violence.

"I remember Winnie at the opening, official opening of the mausoleum, where she said that her late father would want everybody to have the right to speak their mind. But then, what happened in Migwena? Stones were thrown at a VIP tent...We didn't run. We sat there - the best thing to do when they do that: don't move,” Kalonzo said.

He called on the Inspector General of Police and the DCI to investigate the people behind the violence, rather than focus only on those arrested at the scene.

“Inspector General and DCI, please go beyond the five who were paraded. Follow the money, follow the vehicles - arrest the financiers, not just the young men wielding the weapons; because maybe they are trying to earn a living, and are being misused,” he said.

The Wiper leader urged young people not to allow themselves to be used to cause violence for money, warning that those who recruit them would not stand by them when they face legal consequences.

He encouraged the youth to exercise their constitutional rights through peaceful demonstrations, political participation and voter registration.

Kalonzo also said Raila’s struggle was aimed at securing democratic rights and a better future for ordinary Kenyans, urging supporters to continue pursuing that goal.

“We shared the pain we still do of stolen elections. We stood together with our brother when it would have been easier to walk away. And I must say it plainly: the journey to Canaan is still on,” he said.

He added that the struggle should lead to a democratic Kenya where citizens from all parts of the country enjoy equal rights and opportunities.

Kalonzo further criticised attacks against people because of their political views, saying the right to express oneself should not be used to intimidate others.