- James Orengo moved mourners during Raila Odinga’s burial ceremony in Bondo, with a bold and emotional speech
- The Siaya governor revisited the 2017 General Election saga, claiming Raila’s votes were stolen
- He recalled Raila’s courage, his symbolic “people’s president” swearing-in at Uhuru Park, and his lifelong fight for democracy
- Orengo further warned leaders who insult Raila’s legacy, reminding them of the freedoms he fought for
TUKO.co.ke journalist Harry Ivan Mboto has over three years of experience reporting on politics and current affairs in Kenya
Siaya governor James Orengo stirred mourners at the funeral of the late former prime minister Raila Odinga.
Source: Facebook
Orengo delivered a bold and emotional tribute before President William Ruto and former president Uhuru Kenyatta.
The burial ceremony, held at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) grounds in Bondo, Siaya county, drew thousands of mourners who gathered to celebrate the life of the long-time opposition leader and democracy icon.
Orengo says Raila’s election victories were stolen
Orengo, a veteran lawyer and one of Raila’s closest allies, took mourners down memory lane as he recalled key moments that defined Odinga’s political journey and his resilience in the face of adversity.
“I remember after the elections of 2017, when his votes were stolen — and we must continue to say that — when his votes were stolen, Raila decided with a few of us that he was going to be sworn in as the people’s president at Uhuru Park,” Orengo said, drawing cheers and laughter from the mourners.
He paused for a moment, then added humorously, “That is the day I knew there are people wearing trousers but they should not be. Raila said, ‘We are going to Uhuru Park to be sworn in.’ Did he achieve his goal or not?”
The remark sparked amusement across the crowd, including Ruto and Uhuru, both of whom watched keenly.
The two were the key rivals in the hotly contested 2017 General Election, where Uhuru, then deputised by Ruto, faced off with Raila in a tense race marred by accusations of vote rigging.
The Supreme Court later nullified the results citing irregularities, ordering a fresh poll which Raila declined to participate in, paving the way for Uhuru’s victory.
Orengo went on to recount how Raila endured years of political persecution, tear gas, detention, and threats to his life in his relentless fight for justice and democracy.
“Raila was a fighter, a fighter for justice and democracy all his life,” Orengo said firmly. “Sometimes I am taken aback by the people who enjoy the political rights Raila fought for. Some leaders of political parties insult Raila Odinga without knowing that without Raila, they would not even be leading the parties they are leading today. They don’t know,” he added.
Source: Facebook
Orengo warns leaders downplaying Raila’s legacy
He warned those who had turned against Raila’s legacy despite benefiting from his sacrifices, saying history would judge them harshly.
“I say woe unto you, those who forget the legacy of Raila. We have the Constitution of Kenya 2010, yet there are people here today who said ‘No’ when Raila was fighting for this very Constitution. I want to remind them that without him, we would not have the freedoms and democracy we enjoy today. Raila was courageous. He was a brave man,” Orengo said.
He urged leaders and citizens alike to honor Raila’s legacy by standing firm for justice and truth, the very principles the ODM leader lived and died for.
Did Ruto and Raila have a 2027 political deal?
In a related development, Ruto revealed that his talks with the late ODM leader were not about the 2027 General Election.
He said he reached out to Raila after the 2022 polls to acknowledge his contribution to the country and to ensure he was treated fairly for his years of service.
Ruto explained that their discussion focused on mutual respect and cooperation, not political endorsement. He clarified that Raila was free to either run for president or support any candidate in the next election, adding that his intention was to work with him regardless of political differences.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
