Kisumu: Leaders from across the political divide have called on Kenyans to honour the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s legacy by rallying behind a shared national vision that transcends politics, ethnicity, and regional divisions. Speaking during a fundraiser at the Africa Inland Church (AIC) Arina in Kisumu on Sunday, the leaders led by Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kipchumba Murkomen urged citizens to uphold Raila Odinga’s ideals of peace, inclusion, and nationhood as the guiding principles for Kenya’s future.
According to Kenya News Agency, Murkomen, who was flanked by Kisumu Senator Prof Tom Ojienda, Kisumu Deputy Governor Dr. Mathew Owili, Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga, Kiambaa MP Njuguna Wanjiku, and Kisumu Central MP Joshua Oron, lauded the former premier as a statesman who sacrificed personal comfort for the good of the nation. He said the late opposition leader’s vision of unity and progress must continue to shape Kenya’s political and development agenda.
Murkomen noted that the country was mourning and reflecting on the legacy of the former PM adding that the ideals he stood for had taken root and would continue to inspire generations. ‘There is no part of this country that is not mourning. Even in his absence, the seed he planted will grow into a tree that unites all Kenyans,’ he said.
The CS disclosed that before his passing, President William Ruto and Odinga had held extensive discussions on Kenya’s future, including expanding infrastructure, boosting energy production, and integrating regional economies. ‘Raila had a big dream, a dream that the President has since taken up,’ Murkomen said. ‘He spoke passionately about transforming our transport system, linking the railway from Naivasha to Uganda, and turning Kisumu Airport into an international hub’.
He said the government’s ongoing investments in housing, healthcare, and energy reflected the same vision of equality and dignity for all Kenyans that Raila championed throughout his political career. ‘We honour Raila’s legacy by continuing to invest in what he stood for; decent housing, access to healthcare, and equal opportunities for every Kenyan,’ he said.
Murkomen further reminded members of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) that strong political parties were the cornerstone of democracy, urging them to preserve unity within their ranks as a tribute to Raila’s lifelong belief in institutional strength. Senator Ojienda echoed the call, saying Raila’s enduring legacy should be preserved through inclusivity and bridge-building rather than exclusion and rivalry.
He described the former Prime Minister as a unifier whose political philosophy transcended regional and partisan boundaries. ‘It is important to cement Raila Odinga’s legacy, a legacy of peace, love, and nationhood,’ Ojienda said, adding that the spirit of togetherness that defined his leadership should guide ODM’s future.
He urged party members to embrace internal diversity and accommodate dissenting voices, noting that tolerance for opposing opinions had been one of Raila’s strongest democratic values. ‘True leadership listens, engages, and unites. We must strengthen the party by keeping everyone on board, within ODM and beyond,’ he said.
Prof Ojienda further argued that supporting the national development agenda, as Raila had often advocated, would ensure the Nyanza region remained part of the national conversation. He said constructive engagement with President Ruto’s government would allow the region to attract more development and representation.
‘We must build a strong party and support the reelection of President William Ruto. That is how we will secure more Cabinet slots and more Permanent Secretaries in the next government,’ he said.
Deputy Governor Dr. Mathew Owili commended President Ruto for according Raila a dignified send-off, saying the gesture reflected mutual respect between the two leaders despite their political differences. He said Raila was a firm believer in broad-based governance, urging ODM members to unite behind the 10-point agenda the party signed with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) to advance inclusive growth.
‘Our unity as a party and as a nation is critical,’ Dr Owili said. ‘Raila’s legacy will live on only if the institutions he built, the party and the country, remain intact. We must put aside internal wrangles and keep his dream alive.’
He also cautioned leaders against propagating tribal divisions, saying the country could only move forward through reconciliation and collective purpose. ‘We will not hate any community because of one person’s bad conduct,’ he said. ‘President Ruto’s commitment to uniting all 42 tribes reflects Baba’s vision of one Kenya,’ he added.
The leaders’ united message reflected a growing consensus to preserve Raila Odinga’s legacy through peace, inclusivity, and shared prosperity, values that defined his lifelong struggle for a better Kenya.