Murkomen calls for unity in honour of Raila’s enduring legacy
By Faith Lagat, October 26, 2025Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has called for national unity while honouring the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s enduring legacy as a champion of democracy.
Speaking after attending a Sunday service at AIC Kisumu Arina Local Church on October 26, 2025, Murkomen emphasised the need to celebrate Odinga’s ideals.
“As we continue to celebrate the life and legacy of our late former Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga, let us remember him for the ideals he stood for, a united, secure, peaceful, and prosperous nation anchored on a vibrant democracy and robust infrastructure,” he said.
Also watch: Malala warns Gladys Wanga against trading with Raila’s legacy.
The service, held in Kisumu, drew a diverse group of leaders, including Kisumu Deputy Governor Dr. Mathews Owili, Senator Prof. Tom Ojienda, MPs Ruth Odinga, Joshua Oron, John Wanjiku, and Nyanza Regional Commissioner Flora Mworoa.
The gathering underscored a rare cross-party solidarity in Odinga’s Nyanza stronghold, reflecting efforts to bridge Kenya’s political divides following his death on October 15, 2025, at age 80 due to cardiac arrest.
Also watch: Ruth Odinga Urges Kikuyu-Luo Unity in Honour of Raila.
Democracy
Murkomen’s remarks align with tributes from other leaders. Starehe MP Amos Mwago, in an emotional X post on October 19, 2025, described Odinga as “the father of modern democracy.” He hailed him as “a true son of the soil whose entire life was defined by courage, resilience, and an unwavering love for Kenya.”
Mwago added, “For decades, he has stood firm on the side of justice, democracy, and freedom, even when the price was personal sacrifice. Through the storms of imprisonment, political betrayal, and national trials, Baba never wavered; instead, he became a beacon of hope for generations.” He concluded, “Long live Baba Raila Odinga, the people’s champion and the father of modern democracy in Kenya.”
The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) also echoed these sentiments, with Executive Secretary Workneh Gebeyehu stating on October 15, 2025, “Today, Africa mourns the loss of one of its most iconic sons, Raila Amolo Odinga.” Gebeyehu described Odinga as an “unwavering Pan-Africanist whose life’s work went beyond the borders of Kenya, inspiring generations across Africa and beyond,” adding, “His legacy will forever echo in the democratic foundations he helped build.”
Call for peace as nation mourns
Amid these tributes, Nyeri Archdiocese Archbishop Anthony Muheria, speaking on October 25, 2025, cautioned the political class against divisive rhetoric, urging leaders to “bring God, bring mercy, bring caring” to foster unity and service, especially as succession debates within Odinga’s Orange Democratic Movement intensify ahead of the 2027 elections.