At the 10th London Political Summit in the UK Parliament, Kalonzo Musyoka mourns Raila Odinga’s death. Clebrates African progress, and urges global unity. Kalonzo Musyoka speech at London Political Summit 2025. At the 10th London Political Summit and Awards held at the House of Commons. Former Kenyan Vice President Dr. Kalonzo Musyoka delivered a heartfelt and powerful speech that blended mourning, tribute, and inspiration. Standing before distinguished members of parliament, diplomats, and global leaders, Kalonzo announced the tragic passing of Kenya’s former Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga, earlier in the day in India.
His words brought a deep sense of emotion to the room.Kalonzo described Odinga as a true freedom fighter, a man who sacrificed everything for Kenya’s democracy. He reminded the audience that Odinga’s resilience, even after years of detention and torture, helped Kenya achieve the 2010 Constitution, a people-driven framework that transformed the nation’s governance. “Raila Odinga was unbowed,” Kalonzo said. “His courage gave Kenya a new dawn.” He then invited the audience to observe a moment of silence in honour of Odinga, whom he called “a brother, mentor, and Africa’s grand patriot.”
Kalonzo announced he would adjust his UK schedule to honour Odinga’s memory and asked the world to join Kenya in mourning. The Kenyan flag, he said, was flying at half-mast to mark the national loss. A Global Honour for African Leadership. After paying tribute, Kalonzo turned to the main event of the evening the summit’s 10th anniversary celebrations. He thanked the organisers for recognising his long service to Kenya and Africa, after he was named Africa’s Political Leader and Personality of the Year 2025. He humbly dedicated the award to “millions of resilient Africans” whose innovation and hard work continue to shape the continent’s destiny. “We are here tonight,” he said, “because of their dreams and their stories.”
Kalonzo described the past ten years of the London Political Summit as “a decade of dialogue” ten years of conversations that brought Africa and the world closer together. He noted that Africa is no longer asking for a seat at the table, but leading global discussions on its own terms. The Africa of Today. Kalonzo painted a picture of a confident and youthful Africa, no longer defined by old stereotypes. “The word ‘dark’ no longer belongs in any description of Africa,” he said firmly. He spoke of Africa’s 1.5 billion people, its 3,000 ethnic groups, and over 2,000 languages proof of its diversity and strength. He celebrated Africa’s youth as the driving force of a new political awakening across the continent.“Our Gen Zs are demanding accountability and fairness,” he said.
“From Kenya to Ghana, Nigeria to Malawi, young Africans are rising.” He praised them for pushing for transparency and people-centred leadership, saying their voices are reshaping governance across Africa. Leaders who ignored their citizens, he warned, had faced consequences at the ballot box. His tone was firm yet hopeful, calling for a generation of leaders who listen, engage, and serve with integrity.
Defining Modern Leadership.
Kalonzo spoke about leadership in the 21st century, saying true leaders must have the courage to listen and the humility to change.“Power is not a privilege,” he said. “It is a duty to serve.” He emphasized that democracy must protect freedom of speech and diversity, not silence them. Reflecting on his own journey, Kalonzo admitted to making mistakes and facing setbacks. But he proudly affirmed that Kenya, East Africa, and Africa as a whole have made undeniable progress.“Progress,” he said, “is not the absence of problems. It is the courage to solve them.” Peace, Dialogue, and Forgiveness. Kalonzo highlighted his work as Kenya’s Special Envoy to South Sudan, sharing lessons from mediation efforts across the region.
He reminded the audience that peace cannot be imposed it must be built. “Peace grows from trust and dialogue,” he said. “It begins in communities, schools, and families.” He mentioned his experiences in South Sudan, Somalia, Burundi, and Mozambique, saying each peace effort required patience, empathy, and forgiveness. Only through community ownership, he said, can Africa achieve sustainable peace. Redefining Global Partnerships. Speaking from one of the world’s oldest parliaments, Kalonzo called for a new kind of partnership between Africa, Britain, and the rest of the world. “Africa no longer needs charity,” he declared. “Africa needs fair trade, honest investment, and mutual respect.”
He urged global powers to support Africa’s growth through fair business, security cooperation, and climate action, noting that Africa contributes least to global emissions but suffers most from climate change. He challenged leaders to rethink old models of engagement and focus on shared prosperity and justice.
A Message to the Next Generation
Turning to Africa’s youth, Kalonzo offered heartfelt encouragement. “You are not inheriting a finished world,” he said. “You are holding a brush to continue the masterpiece.”He urged young Africans to stay bold, innovative, and patriotic to take charge of their destiny with confidence and creativity. A Call for Ethical LeadershipIn closing, Kalonzo made a solemn promise to continue serving Africa with honesty and courage. “Leadership is about service, not status,” he said. “Let us build nations that are peaceful, just, and prosperous.” He thanked Rt. Hon. Oliver Ryan, Prof. Kishan Devani, and the organisers for honouring him and for keeping the summit alive for a decade.
He also thanked Kenyans and Africans for their resilience, calling them the true heartbeat of the continent. “As we celebrate this milestone,” he concluded, “let us remember that power fades, but service lasts forever.” Kalonzo’s moving speech left the audience reflecting on the future of Africa one built on unity, fairness, and purpose, and dedicated to the memory of Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga, the man who dreamed of a freer and fairer continent.
