Suna East MP Junet Mohamed.[Courtesy]
BY David Njoroge
Suna East MP Junet Mohamed has vowed to defend and advance the legacy of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, promising to keep the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) strong and united in the wake of the party leader’s death.
Speaking during Odinga’s interment service at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology in Bondo, Siaya County, Junet dismissed critics who have branded him a “political orphan” following Raila’s passing.
“I met Raila when I was 24 in 2001. I have seen people on social media saying I am a political orphan. But here I have seen we are many, and even though we are crying, I will have the courage to be their chairman,” Junet said to applause from mourners.
The legislator paid tribute to Odinga’s leadership style, describing him as a visionary who combined firmness with wisdom. “Raila was a remarkable person. He knew when to fight and when to lay his hands down. He had fire on one hand and water on the other. I will miss his calls. Kenyans have lost a person they will never get again,” he said.
Turning to ODM’s future, Junet urged members to guard the party’s independence and resist alliances that weakened Odinga’s vision. “ODM will hold it high, we will keep it strong, and in 2027 it will either form the government or be in a coalition that forms government. It will not be in a coalition that abused Raila when he was alive,” he declared.
He also lashed out at politicians who he accused of exploiting Odinga’s influence for personal gain. “Those who have been abusing Baba to build their political careers are now finished. Wamekwisha,” Junet added.
Junet’s remarks come amid internal debate within ODM over whether to align with President William Ruto’s broad-based government. While leaders such as Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga have supported cooperation with the administration, others, including Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Junet, have insisted on preserving ODM’s autonomy in line with Raila’s final directive.
The party’s National Executive Committee has since appointed Dr. Oburu Oginga as acting leader as discussions continue over succession and the party’s strategic direction.
Raila Odinga died on Wednesday, October 15, in Kochi, India, while receiving medical treatment. His body was flown back to Kenya on October 16 and lay in state for public viewing before a state funeral on Friday, October 17, at Nyayo National Stadium.
The interment ceremony in Bondo marked the conclusion of three days of national mourning and fulfilled Odinga’s personal wish to be buried within 72 hours of his passing.
