Ileli Condemns Kalonzo's Silencing during Raila's Funeral, Calls it Mockery to Kamba Community

Chris Ileli alias Mwene Mavati

Report by Theodore Muia 

Kitui Central politician Chris Ileli has strongly condemned the decision by government operatives to deny Wiper Patriotic Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka an opportunity to speak during the state funeral of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

Speaking during a voter registration sensitization drive in Kitui Central constituency, Ileli termed the move a blatant mockery to the entire Kamba community.

The parliamentary aspirant said it was deeply regrettable that a man of Kalonzo’s stature — who stood by Raila through thick and thin, serving twice as his running mate — was not allowed to pay his final respects publicly.

“Denying Kalonzo a chance to eulogize his brother, a man he worked with for many years in the struggle for democracy, was not just disrespectful to him personally but an insult to the Kamba nation,” Ileli said amid applause from the crowd. 

He noted that Kalonzo had been at the center of Kenya’s political journey alongside Raila, sharing the pain and triumphs that came with the push for multi-party democracy and constitutional reforms.

According to Ileli, such a deep political and personal bond could not be erased or ignored at a moment of national mourning.

“The two shared a vision for a better Kenya. Whether in victory or defeat, Kalonzo stood shoulder to shoulder with Raila,” he added.

Ileli further cautioned those in government and positions of privilege against arrogance, reminding them that power is transient.

“Those who thought they could humiliate Kalonzo today should remember that tables turn,” he warned. “Tomorrow, they may not be in government. Leadership has no permanent occupants.”

At the same time, the outspoken leader urged residents of Kitui Central and the entire Ukambani region to come out in large numbers and register as voters, saying the ballot remains the community’s strongest weapon in shaping its destiny.

 “Let us register, let us vote, and let us stand behind our own when the time comes. That is how we reclaim our dignity,” Ileli who is currently enjoying massive support for his parliamentary bid advised.

His remarks have sparked renewed debate across political circles, with many from the region echoing his sentiments that the Wiper leader deserved a dignified space to mourn his longtime ally and comrade in the struggle for good governance.