Bomet leaders praise Raila’s national unity role
By Luke Oluoch, July 12, 2025Bomet East MP Richard Yegon and his predecessor Nick Salat were, on Saturday, July 12, 2025, united in praising former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, citing his long-standing record of making difficult decisions and choosing the nation over personal gains.
Speaking during a funeral ceremony in Longisa, Bomet County, the United Democratic Alliance legislator extolled Odinga’s decision to close ranks with President William Ruto, terming it as crucial in restoring the stability of the nation.
He hailed the Orange democratic leader as a true statesman, stating that he prays the veteran leader leads the nation one day as the president.
“Thank you, Raila, for coming in and helping us to solve the problems of this country. Other people wanted to let this country be like Haiti or Sudan, but because of your courage, you proved to be the statesman you have always been and came to the rescue of this country.
“We are praying for you that a time will come, and I’m personally praying you will be the leader of this country in the near future,” he said.
Raila also earned the plaudits of the former MP and long-serving KANU Secretary General, Nick Salat.
The KANU stalwart, who supported Raila’s presidential candidacy in 2022, equally praised the politician as a man who has always put the nation first.
“Baba, we know you can never allow this country to go to the dogs. I was the first to join the government after the elections, and I am glad you followed. Thank you for putting Kenyans first. I know you have suffered, but thank you. Kenya is more important than anything else,” he stated.
In his speech at the function, Raila reiterated his objection to the recent orders to shoot protesters issued by President William Ruto and his Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen.
The ODM leader, however, challenged protesters on how to go about picketing, noting that demonstrations must be undertaken for a specified cause.
He specifically reflected on how their demos in 1990 clamour for multipartyism were focused on the objective of establishing multipartyism in the country.
“But we said everything has its time and season. So we had a time when people came out to go to the streets for protests. But these demonstrations are not an end in themselves and should not be undertaken every day. They should be a means to an end and must have what they aim to achieve,” he added.