Orengo: Protect freedoms Raila fought for or risk losing his legacy
Siaya Governor James Orengo urge Kenyans to defend the democratic freedoms Raila Odinga fought for, warning that the late opposition leader’s legacy cannot survive if those ideals are forgotten...
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At Raila Odinga's funeral service on October 19, 2025, Siaya Governor James Orengo urged Kenyans to safeguard the democratic freedoms the late opposition leader championed. He warned that forgetting these ideals would risk losing Odinga's legacy, emphasizing that Raila was a lifelong fighter for justice and democracy.
- Governor Orengo cautioned political leaders against dishonoring Odinga's struggle for multiparty democracy, stating "Without Raila Amolo Odinga, many of you would not be leading those parties you lead today."
- He recalled Odinga's defiant swearing-in as the people's president after the disputed 2017 presidential election as an act of immense courage.
- Orengo thanked President William Ruto for granting Odinga a full state funeral, an honor previously denied to Odinga's father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga.
- The governor expressed optimism that the cooperation between Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and United Democratic Alliance (UDA) would strengthen Odinga's legacy of unity.
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Political Leaders Make Pledges and Tributes at Raila Odinga's Funeral - October 2025
At the funeral of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga in Bondo, Siaya County, on October 19, 2025, several political leaders made statements regarding his legacy and the future of the ODM party. Siaya Governor James Orengo urged Kenyans to safeguard the democratic freedoms Odinga championed. President William Ruto vowed that the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) will be part of future governments and pledged to protect the party from internal divisions. Suna East MP Junet Mohamed rejected the "political orphan" label and emphasized ODM's continued strength. Cabinet Secretaries John Mbadi, Ali Hassan Joho, and Opiyo Wandayi reaffirmed their loyalty to Odinga's legacy and the ODM party. In her tribute, Winnie Odinga hinted at her readiness to serve under President Ruto's administration, while Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi delivered an emotional tribute.
