Economist and human rights activist Fred Ogola has singled out one speech that resonated deeply with him during the late Raila Odinga’s burial.

Ogola has described Ida Odinga’s address as remarkable, noting, “Only one person surprised me, Mama Ida talked of something remarkable, it is the only speech I go with.”

Ogola explained that Ida urged Kenyans to prioritise collective prosperity over personal gain, stating, “let us focus on building national wealth over personal wealth, and that is where devolution chips in.”

Raila’s vision appreciated in hindsight

Ogola hailed the late ODM leader as a transformative figure whose legacy is often fully appreciated only after the benefits of his causes are realized. “People often understood Raila Odinga only after they had benefited from what he fought for. Many didn’t grasp his vision at the time, yet he championed the 2010 Constitution and devolution. He had a bold vision and was a great political asset,” he noted.

He added, “Raila had a vision. He wasn’t just a political player; he was a political asset. He made others into leaders, not just politicians.” Ogola highlighted key moments in Raila’s political journey, particularly his eventual support for the 2010 Constitution, which ushered in Kenya’s devolved system of governance.

Devolution overlooked in tributes

Reflecting on the eulogies delivered during the funeral at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology in Bondo, Ogola observed a notable absence.

“When you listen to all those long eulogies from yesterday, something is missing. None of them talked about devolution. Most of those leaders who became prominent under devolution forgot the very system that gave them a voice,” he said.

Ogola emphasised that Raila’s lifelong struggle was for systemic equity and institutional progress, not mere political positioning. He praised Ida Odinga’s message as a call to action, transforming the funeral from a tribute into a blueprint for future governance and collective national prosperity.

Enduring lessons from Ida’s speech

Ogola concluded that Ida’s call directly reflected Raila’s fight for equitable resource distribution through devolution. “She said let us focus on building national wealth over personal wealth, and that is where devolution chips in,” he reiterated.

Her words, Ogola noted, serve as a guiding principle for Kenya’s next chapter, reminding citizens to honour Raila’s legacy by prioritising collective advancement and building on the foundations he laid for a more equitable nation.