Raila Odinga Apologizes After Mistakenly Identifying Kalonzo Musyoka’s Wife at Wiper Delegates Conference
Former Prime Minister and former CORD leader Raila Odinga found himself at the center of an awkward moment after mistakenly identifying a woman as the wife of Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka during a National Delegates Conference.
The incident occurred while Raila was addressing delegates gathered at the Kasarani Gymnasium, where he had attended the event to congratulate Kalonzo Musyoka following his endorsement as the Wiper Party’s presidential candidate.
Raila Odinga Mistakenly Addresses Wrong Woman
While acknowledging leaders and guests during his speech, Raila turned toward the audience and mistakenly addressed another female delegate as Kalonzo Musyoka’s wife.
He said:
“Mheshimiwa Kalonzo Musyoka na bibi yake mama yuko pale. Wamefanya kazi mzuri zaidi. Pongezi sana mama kwa kazi ambayo mmefanya.”
Translated into English, Raila remarked:
“Honourable Kalonzo Musyoka and his wife who is here have done a wonderful job. Congratulations, Madam, for the excellent work you have done.”
The statement immediately created confusion among delegates as the woman Raila acknowledged was not Kalonzo Musyoka’s wife, Pauline Musyoka.
Raila Quickly Corrects the Mistake
After realizing the error, Raila Odinga paused and immediately apologized to the audience.
He clarified:
“Pole sana huyo siyo mama. Nilikuwa nasema Mama Pauline wamefanya kazi muhimu zaidi kwa kusimama pamoja na sisi, hasa mimi, wakati tumekuwa na shida kubwa zaidi.”
In English, he explained:
“I am very sorry; that is not the lady I intended to recognize. I was referring to Mama Pauline, who has stood firmly with us, especially during some of our most difficult moments.”
His apology helped ease the awkward situation as delegates continued with the conference proceedings.
Raila Congratulates Kalonzo Musyoka
Despite the brief mix-up, Raila used the occasion to commend Kalonzo Musyoka for his leadership and his nomination as the Wiper Party’s presidential flag bearer.
He praised Kalonzo’s commitment to strengthening Kenya’s opposition movement, saying the veteran politician had demonstrated resilience, dedication, and focus despite political challenges.
According to Raila, Kalonzo’s leadership has helped transform the Wiper Democratic Movement into a formidable opposition force capable of championing democratic reforms and offering alternative leadership for Kenya.
Political Unity Remains the Focus
The conference primarily focused on strengthening opposition unity and preparing for future political contests. Raila emphasized the importance of collaboration among opposition leaders in advancing democratic governance and addressing national issues affecting Kenyans.
Although his mistaken identity comment briefly attracted attention, the event remained centered on Wiper’s internal leadership, party organization, and the broader opposition agenda.
Conclusion
Public speaking before large audiences can occasionally lead to unexpected moments, and Raila Odinga’s mistaken identification of Kalonzo Musyoka’s wife became one of the memorable highlights of the conference. His immediate apology and clarification helped diffuse the situation, allowing the delegates’ meeting to proceed smoothly while keeping the spotlight on Wiper’s political plans and leadership.
