The People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader, Martha Karua, has reacted after not being given the opportunity to address mourners during the two key burial events for the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
The former Raila Odinga’s presidential running mate made her remarks on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, just two days after Kenya laid to rest a man many described as a visionary leader on the sand of Kenya’s political history.
n her cry, the now People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader recounted how the government failed to accord her the honor of making her tribute at both functions, stating that she was not given any time at all.
She went on accusing the Kenya Kwanza Government of sidelining the Opposition leaders while revealing they did own Raila Odinga to the exclusion of others.
“Saying that I wasn’t given ample time is an understatement. I wasn’t given any time at all. You look at the regime; it’s good to give him a state burial, but it’s wrong to try to own him to the exclusion of others,” Karua cried out.
On her part, Karua recounted both instances at the State Funeral service in Nyayo Stadium and the final sendoff in Bondo, where the opposition was shelved away.
Kalonzo’s attempt
While acknowledging Kalonzo’s attempt to recognise her presence, Karua argued that there ought to have been formal recognition.
“Therefore, both at the Nyayo Stadium and at the Bondo funeral service, there ought to have been recognition of the opposition and official recognition. Kalonzo did mention our names when he was given an opportunity, but there ought to have been formal recognition,” Karua said.
Karua, who has been a close political friend of the late Raila Odinga, further called out the government for acknowledging Members of Parliament and other dignitaries while still failing to acknowledge their presence at the burial.
“They took time to recognise Members of Parliament, diplomats, and dignitaries there and mention everybody, but you want to sort of erase the presence of the opposition,” Karua added.
Karua also explained how the situation was at the State Funeral in Nyayo Stadium, describing it as worse.
“At Nyayo Stadium it was even worse, but we took it in our stride,” she added.
