Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka has renewed calls for a public probe into the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, saying recent remarks by James Orengo have cast doubt on whether the veteran politician died of natural causes or was killed.
Addressing a rally in Kisii on Monday, Kalonzo told supporters that he could not ignore statements made by Orengo in Kakamega suggesting there was a possibility that Raila’s death was not natural.
He said the only way to settle the matter was through an open and transparent inquest.
“In 2022 we were here with my brother Raila Odinga, and I have been with him for 15 years helping him politically. I was his running mate for two consecutive elections,” Kalonzo told the crowd.
He reminded residents that Kisii had stood firmly with Raila in his five presidential bids, noting that the region played a key role in their joint campaigns over the years. Kalonzo said he chose to raise the matter there because of the area’s long political ties to the late leader.
“The way James Orengo talked about him in Kakamega and said there’s a possibility Raila Odinga was killed… We are saying we want an open inquest so that we know the truth — whether Raila died peacefully or he was killed,” Kalonzo said.
He then turned to the crowd and sought their backing for a public inquiry.
“How many agree that a public inquest should be done, according to Siaya Governor James Orengo?” he posed, drawing reactions from the crowd.
Kalonzo insisted that a formal investigation conducted in the open would clear doubts and give the country answers. He maintained that questions raised by senior leaders could not be ignored and required a lawful process to establish the facts.
Last week, Orengo described the circumstances of Raila’s death as unclear and promised that the truth would come out.
Speaking at a press briefing, he said those responsible for the opposition leader’s death had remained silent but would one day be held to account.
“I said in the presence of President Daniel Arap Moi that they killed Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, and I want to say without fear of contradiction that the death of Raila Odinga, which is still a mystery to all of us, those who bear the responsibility are out there and are silent about it,” Orengo declared.
“I hope that one day we will determine the circumstances under which Raila Odinga passed away. That must be an objective that we must achieve. We will unlock the mystery.”
Orengo also recalled confronting former President Daniel Moi over the death of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, saying he had told the late Head of State that ‘the spirit of Odinga will live on.’
“Today I can say the spirit of Raila Odinga will live on,” he noted.
Raila died on October 15, 2025, after suffering a heart attack while in India. He had travelled to Kerala State for what was described as a health visit and passed away at Devamatha Hospital.
Police in India said he was walking with his sister, daughter and personal doctor when he suddenly collapsed.
