Former Murang’a Governor Mwangi wa Iria has asserted that the Mt. Kenya community is the region most affected by the demise of the departed Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader, Raila Odinga.

Speaking on Friday, November 7, 2025, while offering his tribute to the departed leader at his Opoda farm, Wa Iria recounted two significant political moments he claims were unselfish political acts from the Odingas that defined the politics in Mt. Kenya politics.

During the emotional speech, the ex-Governor made a biblical allegory likening Raila to the stone the builder rejected

Kibaki Tosha

“Kama kuna watu ambao wanastahili kulilia baba, ni watu wa Mlima Kenya. Ikiwa kuna jamii ambayo baba alitunza kwa miaka mingi na kuwatetea ni jamii ya Mlima,“

“Ni hii nyumba ya Bwana Odinga, tena ilisema bila Kenyatta hakuna uhuru Kenya, na Kenyatta akaachiliwa akawa rais wa kwanza wa nchi. They sacrificed the presidency ili ikuje kwetu,”he said.

“In a second round of sacrifice, Kijana yake, Baba akasema Kibaki Tosha. Kwa mara ya pili mtoto wa Jaramogi akasema, “Sisi tusukume.”

“Baba pia alikuja kudhibiti serikali ya Rais Uhuru. Kama kuna watu wako na deni kwa Raila na watu wa eneo hili, ni sisi ambao tunatoka kwa mlima,” he added.

Also watch: Raila Odinga as Prime Minister: Achievements and friction with Kibaki.

Regretting not electing Raila

Wa Iria further stated that despite the silence emanating from a majority of the people from the region, many are harbouring regret for never electing Raila when he put his name forward for the presidency.

“Kule ambako mimi natoka wanasema, We wish we supported this giant of a man. Deep in the village, we have people saying tulikosea kutomuunga mkono mzee baada ya kutufanyia yote hayo,” he added.

The politician parted by imploring the Nyanza region to continue the collaborative pact with the central region, started by Raila Odinga.

“Baba alikuwa ameunda urafiki na watu wa Mlima. Naomba hiyo urafiki iliyoundwa na baba iendelee. Central Kenya na Nyanza lazima tukae chini kama jamii tusemezane na tuendelezee huo urafiki. Mapenzi yake ilikuwa tuungane kama taifa lote na tunapaswa kuendeleza ndoto yake ya kuunganisha taifa hili.”