PLP leader Martha Karua has expressed disappointment over what she termed as the exclusion of key Opposition leaders from actively participating in the funeral of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Speaking during an interview with Spice FM, Karua lamented
that apart from Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, who was allowed to speak due to
his status as a former Vice President, no other Opposition figure was given a
chance to address mourners during the burial at Opoda Farm in Bondo.
“Those of us known for our divergent opinions were not welcome,” Karua said.
“So they decided to call only one, His Excellency Kalonzo Musyoka, under the banner that he is a former Vice President.”
Karua underscored the national stature of the late Raila, pointing out that both government and Opposition leaders had a right to mourn and pay tribute.
She noted that her personal and political relationship with the ODM leader spanned decades, citing her role as his 2022 presidential running mate and their years of working together in Parliament.
“The entire country mourned Raila. Yes, his party worked with him. We too worked with him. I was his running mate and we have been in Parliament together for 20 years,” she said.
Karua also revealed her personal connection to the Odinga family, describing herself as a long-time family friend who knew Raila before her entry into elective politics.
“You could let other people speak; it didn’t even have to be me. Get one or two from the Opposition brigade. But it would have made sense to give me time as his running mate,” she stated.
The former Justice Minister took issue with the tone and focus of the burial speeches.
“Was it a ceremony to endorse a union or was it the burial of the Right Honourable Raila Odinga?” Karua posed.
“That is why there was no room for divergent opinions.”
Raila, a towering figure in Kenyan politics for over four decades, was laid to rest in a private ceremony attended by close family members following a state funeral service.
A public memorial was held earlier at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST).
The funeral was attended by a host of dignitaries, including President William Ruto, former President Uhuru Kenyatta, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, and several Cabinet Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, MPs, and Senators.
