MP Kibagendi: Raila gave Me Ksh35K for my first campus election
By Luke Oluoch, October 17, 2025Kitutu Chache MP Anthony Kibagendi has disclosed how Raila Odinga played a crucial role in shaping the careers of other young political leaders during his time.
In a personal testimonial on his Facebook page on Friday, October 17, 2025, the MP recalled how Raila donated Ksh35,000 to his campaign during his college days at Maseno University.
According to the MP, the donation was a monumental amount at the time, and it helped him produce the first coloured campaign posters at the university.
“I have come a long way with Baba. While in campus at Maseno University, I ran for Secretary General in our Students’ Union. I reached out to Rt. Hon. Raila Amollo Odinga, and graciously sponsored my campaign with Ksh 35,000, which was a significant amount twenty years ago. I used it to produce the first-ever coloured campaign posters by any contestant in Maseno University. That gesture alone spoke volumes about his generosity and belief in nurturing young leaders.”
The lawmaker acknowledged Raila’s indelible mark in helping shape the careers of young leaders.
He detailed a list of young lawmakers in the country, such as Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, Nairobi Senator, Edwin Sifuna, and many others, whose careers were nurtured by the veteran departed leader.
A mentor of many
“Baba mentored me, as he did countless other leaders in this country; including Babu Owino, Edwin Sifuna, Sylvanus Osoro, KJ, Obadiah Barongo, and Clive Gisairo, among many others. He instilled in us a spirit of fearlessness in the fight for justice and the rights of our people. From him, we learned the courage to confront oppression and, equally, the wisdom to compromise for the sake of lasting peace,” he added.
The MP parted with a confession that Raila’s death is both a personal and national loss due to his cross-cutting influence on many Kenyans.
“I will deeply miss you, Baba, my Party Leader, my mentor, and my inspiration. Thank you for planting in me the seed of resilience, courage, and unwavering commitment to the people. Kenya has lost a legend, but your spirit will forever live on in all of us whom you inspired.”