Mama Ida Odinga and Homa Bay senator Moses Kajwang during the burial of Mama Elseba Ouma in Uriri.PHOTO:IAN BYRON/KTMN
Mama Ida Odinga has made a heartfelt appeal to Luo leaders to rise above divisive politics and take full advantage of the current broad-based government, describing it as a rare opportunity to unify and transform communities through inclusive governance.
Speaking during the burial of Mama Elseba Ouma, mother to Moses Ouma, the Chief of Protocol in the office of Migori Governor Ochillo Ayacko, Mama Ida urged leaders to abandon premature succession politics and focus on development.
“This is not the time for division. Let us wake up and work with the government of the day,” she said.
“Let us make good use of these short rains and plant in good time—even as we wait for the long rains. If we fail to seize this opportunity, we’ll have no one to blame but ourselves.”
She also addressed the escalating political rivalry in Migori County—particularly the anticipated 2027 face-off between Governor Ayacko and Uriri MP Mark Nyamita—urging restraint and unity.
“Politics should not tear us apart. Migori must not become a battleground for personal ambition. We must walk together if we are to go far.”
Turning her attention to the youth, Mama Ida warned against self-destructive habits such as alcoholism, drug abuse, and political thuggery.
“Our young people are dying not from war but from choices. You don’t go to school just to be employed—you go to be useful to your community. Learn practical skills, form youth groups, and choose productivity over chaos.”
Her call for unity was strongly echoed by Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang’, who emphasized that the Luo community must not waste the political space created by the Ruto-Raila handshake.
“Governor Ayacko is better suited to fix Migori. If he cannot fix this county, then no one can,” Senator Kajwang’ said.
“He has the experience, the networks, and the understanding of governance needed to take Migori forward.”
He challenged Migori’s leaders to shift their focus from endless politicking to real service delivery.
“We are developing Homa Bay not because we love each other, but because we’ve agreed to put our differences aside for the betterment of our people. It is time for development—not politics.”
Addressing critics of the broad-based government, Kajwang’ drew a sharp distinction between loyalty and blind sycophancy, defending those who choose to engage the current administration constructively.
“There is a difference between loyalty and sycophancy. Raila, whom we look up to, is not a sycophant—he is a selfless patriot,” he said.
“His handshake history dates back to Moi, who tortured him, then Kibaki, then Uhuru, and now Ruto. We support the broad-based government as loyal patriots—not blind followers. And even from within, we must speak out against the vices of this government.”
Former Ndhiwa MP Tom Obondo also joined the chorus for unity and focus on grassroots development.
“Let us not allow our internal wrangles to rob the people of progress,” Obondo said.
“The Luo region has everything it takes to lead, but we must begin by leading ourselves—with integrity, with service, and with a vision.”
Obondo called on elected leaders to set aside supremacy battles and prioritize what matters most to their constituents.
“The people don’t want to hear about 2027—they want roads, hospitals, clean water, and jobs. Let’s deliver that first.”
The unified voices and consistent messaging from Mama Ida, Senator Kajwang’, and former MP Obondo turned the event more than a funeral—it became a clarion call for a new era of responsible leadership, political maturity, and community-driven development in Luo Nyanza.
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