Jeremiah Kioni: Without Raila, there would be no Jubilee Party
By Faith Lagat, October 18, 2025Jubilee Party Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni delivered a heartfelt tribute to the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, declaring that the party’s very existence owes everything to the Azimio leader’s unwavering support.
Speaking amid final preparations for Raila’s burial in Bondo on Sunday, October 19, Kioni reflected on Raila’s pivotal role in shaping the country’s political landscape, weaving a narrative of gratitude, legacy, and unity.
“Without Baba, we would not be having the Jubilee Party today,” Kioni stated emphatically, crediting Raila, affectionately known as Baba, with the party’s survival during turbulent times. He elaborated, “Apart from standing with Kenyans in a well-rounded way, we as the Jubilee Party, he championed for us, he stood for us, and we owe him.”
Kioni recounted how Raila defended Jubilee against internal divisions and external pressures, positioning the party as a bulwark for the common citizen.
Gathered at a memorial event, Kioni urged party members to honour Raila’s lifelong commitment to the marginalised.
“We are here to mourn him and remember what he stood for. I believe that the best way we can remember him is to continue with the fight for the good of the common man, because that is what he did for the best part of his life,” he said.
Tributes across the political divide
Kioni defended Raila’s misunderstood persona, drawing on former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s insights. “Many did not relate to who Raila really was; Uhuru Kenyatta, however, captured who Baba was. People took him for a tribalist and selfish, but he was not,” he asserted.
“As Jubilee and Azimio, it is a sad day for us, but we thank God for those who knew who Baba was.”
Roots Party leader George Wajackoyah, speaking on the same day, described himself as “orphaned” following Raila’s death. “Raila has left me as an orphan. I was holding on to him and learning from him. Everything that you see about me is from Raila and his father,” he said, adding that Raila’s shoes were “too big to fill.”
Final preparations in Bondo
As tributes continued, Siaya Governor James Orengo outlined plans for the body’s viewing in Bondo while protecting family privacy. “When the body arrives, it will be here in the home, not for viewing but for family and other close relatives,” he said. A separate area has been set aside for residents to pay their respects.
Thousands had earlier gathered at Mamboleo Showground in Kisumu, where Raila’s body was flown by military helicopter for final public viewing. Security was heightened to manage surging crowds. The burial will take place on Sunday, October 19, at Kang’o ka Jaramogi in line with Raila’s wish to be laid to rest within 72 hours.