Siaya Governor James Orengo has strongly praised veteran late Prime Minister Raila Odinga, describing him as one of the most influential figures in Kenya’s history and crediting him with shaping some of the country’s most important political and economic milestones.

Speaking during an interview with a local media house on Monday. December 29, 2025, Orengo reflected on Raila’s long political journey and his role in key moments that continue to define Kenya’s governance today.

“Raila is the greatest Kenyan that ever lived. He always works on bringing the country to its comfort,” he said

Orengo said Raila’s politics has always been driven by a desire to improve the lives of ordinary citizens, often pushing difficult ideas long before they became widely accepted. He noted that Raila’s influence was not limited to opposition politics, but was also felt when he served in government, where some of Kenya’s biggest policy ideas took shape.

“When he was in government, he gave a lot of ideas that were very big in terms of economy, Vision 2030, and about amending the constitution, really coming up with a new constitution,” he said

According to Orengo, the period when Raila served in government alongside former President Mwai Kibaki marked a turning point for the country. He argued that the cooperation between the two leaders created space for reforms that may not have been possible in a more divided political environment.

“Raila being in government with Kibaki was an appropriate time; we probably would never have achieved the constitution of 2010,” the statement reads

The Siaya governor went on to describe Raila as a leader who balanced bold action with careful judgment, often pushing for radical change while remaining grounded in the realities of the moment. He said this mix of courage and restraint helped Raila remain relevant across different political eras.

“I characterise him as a progressive politician whose radical action was tempered with a degree of pragmatism,” he stated

Orengo added that at the heart of Raila’s politics was a constant drive to leave the country better than he found it. He said this motivation explains why Raila has remained engaged in public life for decades, even in the face of setbacks and resistance.

“The spirit that was always driving Raila was to bring change that could impact the lives of Kenyans positively,” he stated