Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has alleged that the late opposition leader Raila Odinga narrowly survived an assassination attempt during the 2023 anti-government demonstrations.
Speaking on Thursday, November 6, 2025, during a visit to Odinga’s final resting place in Bondo, Siaya County, Kalonzo said police officers fired as many as ten bullets at Odinga’s vehicle during one of the protests in Embakasi South. He described the incident as “a miracle escape,” saying it could have completely changed Kenya’s political history.
According to Kalonzo, the incident took place at the height of nationwide demonstrations against the rising cost of living. He said both he and Odinga were at the forefront of the protest when police opened fire. “We counted ten bullet shots targeting Raila’s vehicle,” Kalonzo recalled. “The orders seemed very clear to eliminate Raila Odinga.”
He added that Odinga’s life was saved only because he was travelling in an armoured car. “If that vehicle hadn’t been bulletproof, we would have buried him that very year,” Kalonzo said. After the shooting, the two leaders reportedly sought refuge at the home of former Cabinet Secretary Raphael Tuju in Karen, which Kalonzo described as a “targeted political assault.”
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The Wiper Party leader was in Bondo to pay tribute to the veteran politician who died earlier this year. Accompanied by governors, lawmakers, elders, and party officials, he presented the Odinga family with 150 head of cattle as a symbol of respect and unity.
Dressed in traditional jungle-green attire and holding a spear and shield, Kalonzo was welcomed by Mama Ida Odinga. He joined mourners in the Luo cultural chant “Jowi! Jowi!” a call reserved for fallen heroes. “Raila will be more powerful in death than when he was alive,” Kalonzo told the gathering. “He inspired young Kenyans to believe in democracy and justice. He was the father of maandamano the spirit of peaceful resistance.”
Among those present were Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti, Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr, several Members of Parliament, religious leaders, and community elders. The group laid wreaths and offered prayers at the gravesite, pledging to uphold Odinga’s values and continue his fight for equality.
“The principles Raila stood for democracy, justice, and good governance will never die,” Kalonzo said, adding that the opposition would continue to resist oppression in his memory.
The emotional visit not only revived memories of Odinga’s decades-long political struggle but also revealed, for the first time, how close Kenya came to losing one of its most influential figures during the 2023 unrest.
