Wiper Patriotic Front leader Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka has recounted a harrowing moment when he and the late opposition chief Raila Amollo Odinga narrowly escaped death during the 2023 anti-government protests in Nairobi.
Speaking at Kang’o Ka Jaramogi in Bondo, Siaya County, where he joined leaders and supporters to pay tribute to Raila weeks after his burial, Kalonzo recalled the dramatic events that unfolded during the nationwide demonstrations against the high cost of living.
According to Kalonzo, he and Raila were on the frontlines of the protests, which were met with a heavy police response, including the use of teargas, water cannons, and live ammunition. Several demonstrators were injured, while others lost their lives in the clashes.
“We have been to the trenches with my brother. Some of us wore sufurias on our heads in 2023. We came close to dying. Raila and I escaped from Embakasi South, and that day felt like someone had issued orders for us to be killed mainly Raila,” Kalonzo recounted.
The Wiper leader went on to describe how they fled the chaotic scene and later sought refuge at the Karen home of former Cabinet Secretary Raphael Tuju. After cleaning up, Raila reportedly asked him to inspect their vehicle.
“We found that the car had been hit several times. We counted about 10 bullet marks aimed at Raila. If it were not for the armoured vehicle, Kenya would have buried him in 2023. God protected him,” he said.
Kalonzo added that although Raila has since been laid to rest, his ideals and fight for justice, good governance, and the welfare of ordinary Kenyans will continue to inspire those who shared in his vision.
The Wiper leader was accompanied by several Ukambani leaders, including Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti, Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Junior, Senator Enock Wambua, and MPs Rose Museo, Joyce Nzambia, and Julius Mawathe, among others
