Kalonzo cuts short UK trip to attend Raila’s State funeral

The Wiper Patriotic Front (WPF) party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has cut short his visit to the United Kingdom following the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

The opposition party, in a statement on Thursday, said Kalonzo had already departed from Heathrow International Airport in London, for Nairobi and is expected to arrive at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on Friday, ahead of Raila’s State funeral service slated to be held at Kasarani Stadium

“The WPF Leader will join the family of Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga, EGH, friends, and Kenyans at the State Requiem Mass, and pay tribute to his friend and compatriot,” read the statement.

Kalonzo, who had been scheduled to begin a 10-day official visit to the UK on Wednesday, had planned to strengthen international partnerships and engage with the Kenyan diaspora.

The former Vice President was set to address the London Political Summit and Awards at the UK Parliament, deliver a lecture at Oxford University, and hold discussions at Chatham House and the Commonwealth Secretariat.

Wiper Secretary General Senator Shakila Abdalla had earlier said the visit was part of continuing efforts “to strengthen international partnerships, promote Kenya’s global profile, and engage citizens abroad on matters of governance, economic empowerment, and national renewal.”

The abrupt cancellation comes as the country mourns the death of the ODM party leader, a long-time ally of the Wiper chief.

On Friday, a State funeral service will be held at the Nyayo Stadium, which is expected to be attended by dignitaries and VVIPs from outside Kenya before the final send-off set for Sunday.