Siaya Governor James Orengo.(Courtesy)
By David Njoroge
Siaya Governor James Orengo has urged Kenyans to safeguard the democratic freedoms that the late Raila Odinga dedicated his life to securing, warning that the opposition leader’s legacy would fade if those ideals were abandoned.
“Without saying who Raila really was, it will be impossible to keep his legacy. Raila was a fighter for justice and democracy all his life. Sometimes I’m taken aback by those who enjoy the rights Raila fought for, including political parties, and now turn around to insult him,” said Orengo on Sunday during Odinga’s burial in Bondo, Siaya County.
He cautioned political leaders against dishonouring Odinga’s struggle for multiparty democracy.
“Without Raila Amolo Odinga, many of you would not be leading those parties you lead today. Woe unto you,” he warned.
Orengo recalled Odinga’s defiance following the disputed 2017 presidential election, describing it as one of his bravest moments.
“When his votes were stolen in 2017, Raila decided, with a few of us, that he would be sworn in as the people’s president at Uhuru Park,” Orengo recounted. “That day, I realised there are many who wear trousers but shouldn’t be wearing them. But Raila said, ‘We are going to Uhuru Park,’ and he went.”
The governor said Odinga’s courage, resilience, and devotion to democracy should guide Kenya’s political future.
“Before you open your mouth to talk against Raila, remember what he has fought for and what he has stood for,” he said.
Orengo emphasised that Odinga’s legacy must be upheld through action rather than rhetoric.
“The legacy of Raila Amolo Odinga will not be kept by mere speechifying. It is to make sure that the gains we have made will never be lost. Never give space for those gains to be reversed,” he stated.
He thanked President William Ruto for according Odinga a full state funeral, noting that such an honour had been denied to Odinga’s father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga.
“Many years ago, we requested a state funeral for Jaramogi, but the government refused. All they offered was a helicopter. Today, we have witnessed the first proper state funeral with military honours in Nyanza,” said Orengo.
He expressed optimism that cooperation between the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) would strengthen Odinga’s legacy of unity.
“I am confident that the agreement between ODM and UDA, which both of you witnessed, will be fulfilled, because that will keep Raila’s spirit burning,” he said.
Orengo also warned against weakening political parties, stressing their central role in sustaining democracy.
“Do not kill political parties. Political parties are the foundation of democracy. In 1963, parties were killed, and it took us 20 years to revive them. Let us never make that mistake again,” he said.
