Siaya Governor James Orengo has decried a trend in the country where exemplary leaders are only celebrated when they die.

Speaking during the funeral service of the late former Karachuonyo MP Phoebe Asiyo at her Wikondiek home in Karachuonyo, Orengo observed that several leaders in the country have been forgotten despite their immense contribution to the nation.

“There is a trend in Kenya, where we are very shy about rewarding heroes. We only remember them when they die. But when we remember their role, particularly those who have fought for independence in this country, they have not been given their rightful place in the nation called Kenya,” Orengo stated.

Jaramogi Oginga Odinga

The governor indicated that Kenya lacks a monument to honour the late first Vice President of the Republic of Kenya, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, despite his agitation for the release of the first President Jomo Kenyatta from detention.

“Jaramogi Oginga Odinga said there is no Uhuru without Kenyatta, but as we speak today, there is no monument in Nairobi named after him; and that is a trend in this nation that we must correct,” Orengo said.

He also hailed the recently formed framework to compensate victims of police brutality and those harmed during the protests since 2017.

Compensation of protest victims

“I hope that with this new spirit that is coming up. This new committee that is going to look into the issues of those who were assaulted or suffered during the demonstrations; that this is a new awakening that Kenya is a democratic nation that believes in human rights,” Orengo stated.

The committee seeks to provide accountability, redress, and reparations for those affected by violent protests and riots. The move is anchored in the Constitution’s commitment to balancing civic responsibility with the exercise of constitutionally guaranteed freedoms, as outlined in the Bill of Rights.

According to a statement by President William Ruto on Friday, August 8, 2025, the government recognises that while Kenya’s democratic space has expanded since the promulgation of the 2010 Constitution, some demonstrations have regrettably turned violent, resulting in loss of life and bodily harm.

“There is a compelling national interest in establishing a framework for accountability, redress and reparations for victims of demonstrations and public protests, including civilians and security personnel,” the statement reads in part.