Party leaders rally behind Oburu Odinga and promise to safeguard Raila’s reform legacy ahead of 2027.
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leadership on Thursday converged in Migori County for a solemn memorial service in honour of the late Raila Amollo Odinga, paying glowing tribute to the man whose political life defined Kenya’s struggle for democracy and justice.
The event, held at Awendo Green Stadium, was both emotional and politically charged as party leaders vowed to uphold Raila’s reform ideals while affirming ODM’s place in the broad-based government.
The ceremony brought together senior party figures led by Acting Party Leader Dr. Oburu Odinga, ODM Chairperson Gladys Wanga, Migori Governor Ochillo Ayacko, and Suna East MP Junet Mohammed.
Also present were Woman Representative Fatuma Mohammed, MPs Walter Owino, Peter Masara, Samuel Atandi, and Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma, alongside Migori Deputy Governor Joseph Mahiri and former Woman Representative Dennitta Ghati.
Dr. Oburu Odinga described his late brother as his “bosom buddy,” recalling a lifetime of shared sacrifice and struggle for freedom.
He said Raila’s spirit of unity and courage would continue to guide ODM, emphasizing that the party would remain part of the government to influence national policy from within.
“The broad-based alliance is not surrender; it is strategy,” he said. “ODM will not be swallowed but will stay firm and shape government policy from within.”
Suna East MP Junet Mohammed praised Governor Ayacko for organizing the memorial and described Raila as a political father, mentor, and close friend.
He said Raila had left behind a politically mature generation ready to carry forward his legacy under Dr. Oburu Odinga and Chairperson Gladys Wanga.
“Raila made me who I am, but I leave everything to God,” Junet said. “He left us at a time when we are ready to champion his cause and protect what he built.”
Junet commended Oburu for his experience and steady hand, saying he had the political capacity to lead ODM through transition.
He declared that ODM remained the majority party in Kenya and would not be sidelined in the current political dispensation.
“ODM will not be left out of the broad-based government,” Junet said firmly. “We have our own manifesto that must be implemented alongside UDA’s. Ours is a national party with a broad base. Nearly half of Kenya’s counties are led by ODM governors — we are the majority and cannot bow to simpletons.”
He said ODM’s participation in government was deliberate and grounded in principle, noting that the party’s ten-point agenda—part of the National Accord guiding the broad-based arrangement—was already being implemented.
Five of the points, he said, had been realized, including the establishment of a compensation fund for post-election violence victims and enhanced allocations to devolution.
He cited a KSh415 billion allocation to county governments last year, calling it a fulfillment of Raila’s long-held wish to strengthen devolution.
He also lauded recent improvements in human rights and governance, noting that arbitrary arrests and abductions had largely stopped.
“If President Ruto continues to address these needs, we have no problem with his re-election bid,” Junet added.
Migori Governor Ochillo Ayacko said the broad-based alliance was the truest form of honour to Raila’s legacy, as it allowed former rivals to collaborate for national progress. He said the arrangement reflected Raila’s lifelong call for inclusivity and constructive engagement in governance.
ODM Chairperson Gladys Wanga echoed the sentiment, urging the government to fully implement the ten-point agenda contained in the National Accord.
She reaffirmed her intention to contest the Migori senatorial seat currently held by Eddy Okech, pledging to advance Raila’s vision of service and fairness.
Awendo MP Walter Owino recalled that Raila had been scheduled to visit Migori on December 13, saying the county would forever honour his virtues through unity and loyalty.
Suna West MP Peter Masara described the day as historic for Migori, noting that the region had lost a leader who deeply understood its challenges and potential.
Migori Woman Representative Fatuma Mohammed called on ODM leaders to strengthen the gains achieved under Raila’s leadership and urged the government to compensate families affected by the Gen Z protests.
She hailed Dr. Oburu as a reformist capable of carrying forward Raila’s ideals.
Migori Deputy Governor Joseph Mahiri praised Raila for giving the Kuria community political recognition, saying he ensured Kuria got its first senator, woman representative, and deputy governor.
“Raila gave Kuria a voice,” Mahiri said. “We welcome Dr. Oburu home, just as we did with the late Odinga.”
Alego Usonga MP Samuel Atandi described ODM as the greatest political gift Raila left Kenyans, urging members to stay loyal to the party’s ideals as it navigates the broad-based alliance until 2027.
On his part, Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma lauded Dr. Oburu and Wanga for their leadership during the party’s period of mourning and transition. He urged unity, saying the ODM fabric that held the party together for decades must not be broken.
From Awendo and across the country, one message resonated clearly: ODM remains united, confident, and ready to shape Kenya’s political direction from within the broad-based government.
For the leaders gathered there, honouring Raila Odinga means continuing his lifelong struggle for justice, inclusion, and a better Kenya.
About the Author
