Kalonzo Condemns Violence at Migwena During Raila Odinga’s First Anniversary Memorial

Story by Violet Kerubo &  evans Mutinda

Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka has condemned the violence witnessed at Migwena during the first anniversary memorial of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, calling for investigations into those behind the incident.
Kalonzo said he witnessed groups of people throwing stones at a VIP tent and disrupting mourners who had gathered to honour the former opposition leader.
He questioned the circumstances surrounding the violence, saying the incident raised concerns about the safety of Kenyans attending public gatherings.
According to Kalonzo, some individuals were allegedly transported to the venue in school buses, with some reportedly carrying machetes and other weapons.
He urged the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to go beyond the five suspects reportedly arrested and investigate those who may have financed or organised the violence.
“The DCI must follow the money and the vehicles and arrest the financiers, not just the young men holding the weapons,” Kalonzo said.
He cautioned young people against allowing themselves to be recruited into violent political activities for money, warning that those who hire them may abandon them when they face arrest, prosecution or injuries.
Calls for protection of democratic rights
Kalonzo said Raila’s political legacy was rooted in the struggle for democracy and constitutional reforms, arguing that the former Prime Minister fought for ordinary Kenyans to have a voice in the country’s affairs.

He urged young people to pursue their political ambitions through voter registration, peaceful demonstrations, organising and participation in democratic processes rather than violence.
The Wiper leader cited Articles 33 and 37 of the Constitution, which protect freedom of expression and the right to assemble, demonstrate, picket and present petitions peacefully and unarmed.
He, however, noted that constitutional freedoms must be exercised while respecting the rights of others and avoiding incitement to violence and hate speech.
Kalonzo maintained that political disagreements should be addressed through democratic means and not through intimidation or attacks on citizens attending public events.
Reaffirms commitment to Raila’s political vision
Reflecting on his political partnership with Raila, Kalonzo said their shared journey towards a more democratic Kenya remained unfinished.
He recalled that Raila had nicknamed him “Caleb” while referring to himself as “Joshua”, drawing a comparison with the biblical journey to Canaan.
Kalonzo said he remained committed to pursuing what he described as the journey to Canaan, which he envisioned as a democratic Kenya where citizens from every region enjoy equal rights, dignity and opportunities.
He also called for accountability over the Migwena incident, saying Kenyans deserved to know who was responsible for the violence.
The memorial gathering was intended to honour Raila’s contribution to Kenya’s political development and democratic reforms. Kalonzo’s remarks placed renewed focus on political violence, the protection of public gatherings and the responsibility of law enforcement agencies to investigate those behind such incidents.