Atwoli, Natembeya, and Wanjigi call for celebration of Raila’s legacy as tributes flow for ODM leader
By Luke Oluoch, October 15, 2025Wednesday, October 15, 2025, will go down as a significant day in Kenya’s political history after veteran opposition leader and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) supremo Raila Odinga breathed his last.
News of Raila’s death was confirmed in the morning while he was away in India for treatment.
His demise elicited an outpouring of condolences from the Kenyan political class, many hailing his decades-long involvement in politics, spanning detention, coalition building, and constitutional reforms that placed him at the centre of Kenya’s political landscape for over four decades.
Celebrating a rich legacy
Even as the sombre mood precedes the passing of Raila, the political class has been united in underscoring the need to celebrate the leader’s rich legacy and quest to unite Kenyans.
In separate touching tributes, Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya and former presidential candidate Jimmy Wanjigi reinforced this plea.
“Today, Kenya has lost one of her greatest sons, the Rt Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga. His passing is not just a national tragedy but a deeply personal loss to millions who believed in his vision of a just, united, and prosperous nation… As we mourn his passing, we must honour his legacy by safeguarding the values he lived for: unity, justice, and inclusion. Let this moment remind us that Kenya is strongest when her people stand together,” Natembeya implored.
Wanjigi, who referred to Raila as a dear friend and brother, urged Kenyans to celebrate Raila’s belief in the power of the people.
“I am deeply heartbroken by the passing of my dear friend and brother, Rt Hon. Raila Odinga. We shared countless moments of courage, conviction, and unyielding hope for a better Kenya, moments that defined not just our friendship but an era of struggle for freedom and justice. Raila was more than a leader; he was the spirit of our nation’s second liberation, a man whose love for Kenya burned brighter than fear.
Atwoli’s tribute
“As we mourn his loss, we must also celebrate the greatness of his journey, a life lived in service, sacrifice, and steadfast belief in the power of the people. My heartfelt condolences go to Mama Ida, his children, and the entire Odinga family.” He said.
COTU Boss Francis Atwoli also lamented the timing of Raila’s death, lamenting the loss of the politician he said has been the glue holding the country together.
“The passing of Raila Odinga at a time when Kenya was yearning for unity is a big blow to our country. Raila has always been the glue that held our country together during moments of political misunderstanding. Raila consistently rose above divisions to unite us as Kenyans. He is a man who Kenyans will remember for now and years to come,” he observed.
Migori Senator Eddy Oketch, while reacting to news of his death, recounted his conversation with Raila and the instruction he got from his party leader a day before he was to breathe his last.
“Yesterday afternoon, you called me for 7 mins. You gave me a lot of instructions that I am still trying to make sense of. You told me to go on Ramogi TV and tell Onagi (Luo Nation) to speak in one voice and remain united. You told me you would make it back at the weekend and I should come to receive you. I did not know it was a goodbye… I AM LOST. LOST AND LOST.
On his part, Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) communications director Philip Etale took to his X page to express his profound loss with a concise statement.
Etale stated that he had been deflated with the passing of his party boss.
“I am DEFLATED,” he said.
Presidential aspirant Boniface Mwangi took a different approach, electing to dwell on the positive juncture that the long-term revolutionist leader’s death leaves the nation amid its quest for rebirth.
Mwangi noted that Raila’s exit from Kenyan politics comes as a generation has already shown its readiness to liberate Kenyans.
“My condolences to the Raila Odinga family. Mzee amepumzika. His watch is over. What gives me hope is that last year, a generation that will liberate Kenya from the shackles of bad leadership and corruption was born. Viva the revolution, viva,” he stated.
Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa celebrated Raila’s rich legacy in Kenyan politics, terming the veteran leader as a paternal beacon in his tribute.
Rest in peace, Baba, a luminary whose resonant voice reverberated with the serene gravitas of profound sagacity, whose aura elicited deference sans overt exigency and whose discerning gaze traversed the vast expanse of international diplomacy with impeccable acuity. Fare thee well, Jakom, fare thee well, our paternal beacon.” He said.
His deputy Willis Otieno equally extolled Raila’s impact in Kenyan politics. Otieno referred to him as the most consequential politician in the last 30 years.
“Raila Amolo Odinga was, without doubt, the most consequential politician in Kenya over the last three decades. Today, a political giant rests. His voice may fall silent, but his imprint is etched permanently into the architecture of our nation’s democracy,” he stated.