Kalonzo Musyoka Reveals Raila Odinga Survived Deadly 2023 Police Attack: “We Counted 10 Bullet Shots”

Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has made shocking revelations about a near-assassination attempt on the late opposition leader Raila Odinga during the 2023 anti-government protests, saying police fired ten bullets directly at Odinga’s vehicle.

Speaking on Thursday, November 6, 2025, during a solemn visit to Raila’s final resting place in Bondo, Siaya County, Kalonzo described the incident as “a miracle escape” — one that could have altered Kenya’s political history.

The Wiper leader, who was accompanied by top party officials and governors, also presented the Odinga family with 150 head of cattle as a traditional gesture of respect, unity, and shared mourning.

“We Counted Ten Bullet Shots”

Addressing mourners at Kango Ka Jaramogi, Kalonzo vividly recalled the tense 2023 standoff in Embakasi South, where he and Raila were leading nationwide demonstrations over the soaring cost of living.

“We went, we counted ten bullet attempts on my brother,” Kalonzo revealed. “It was amazing — the kind of attack that happened that day. The orders seemed very clear: to eliminate Raila Odinga.”

According to him, only the presence of an armoured vehicle saved Raila’s life.

“If it were not that he was having an armoured vehicle, we would have buried him in 2023,” he said solemnly.

After the attack, the two leaders reportedly fled to the home of Raphael Tuju in Karen, narrowly escaping what Kalonzo described as a “targeted political assault.”

Honouring the ‘Father of Maandamano’

The Thursday visit, which began in Kisumu, saw Kalonzo’s delegation stop at the Opoda home before proceeding to Raila’s grave.

Kalonzo, dressed in jungle green traditional attire and carrying a spear and shield, was welcomed by Mama Ida Odinga. As part of the Luo mourning tradition, he led the crowd in chanting “Jowi! Jowi!” — a cry reserved for fallen heroes.

The Wiper leader eulogized Raila as “the father of maandamano”, a leader who fought tirelessly for democracy and devolution.

“Raila will be more powerful in death than when he was alive because he inspired young Kenyans,” Kalonzo said.

Leaders, Elders, and Loyalists Pay Tribute

Among those who joined the Wiper leader were Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti, Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr, several MPs, elders from Ukambani, and religious leaders.

The group laid wreaths and offered prayers at the gravesite, pledging to uphold Raila’s legacy and continue his fight against bad governance.

“The values Raila lived for — justice, democracy, and equality — will never die,” Kalonzo declared, promising that the opposition would keep resisting oppression in his honour.

The emotional visit not only reignited memories of Raila’s long political struggle but also revealed, for the first time, just how close Kenya came to losing one of its most iconic figures during the turbulent protests of 2023.