Orengo to Ruto: Preserving political parties is the true way to honour Raila

Siaya Governor James Orengo has called on President William Ruto to uphold political party structures, warning against weakening them even when forming coalitions.

Speaking during the funeral service of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) in Bondo on Sunday, Orengo said the late leader’s lifelong fight for justice, democracy and inclusive governance should guide leaders in maintaining strong political institutions.

“Even as we speak about unity, let us not kill political parties. Political parties are the foundation of democracy. Any arrangements we enter into, don’t kill political parties. In 1963, political parties were killed, and it took us 20 years to fight to revive political parties,” Orengo said.

Orengo praised Raila for his dedication to justice, democracy and nation-building. He hailed him for spending his life defending the rights and freedoms that many now take for granted, including the role and integrity of political parties.

“Raila was a fighter, a fighter for justice and democracy all his life, and sometimes I’m taken aback by some people who enjoy the rights Raila has fought for, including political parties. There are those who now lead political parties and abuse them without knowing that, without Raila Amolo Odinga, you would not be leading those parties that you’re leading today. Woe unto you. There are those who forget the legacy of Raila,” he said.

He also acknowledged Raila’s pivotal role in Kenya’s 2010 Constitution. “We have the Constitution of Kenya, 2010, and people are here. I want to remind you that without Raila, we would not be having this Constitution. Raila was courageous. He was a brave man,” he said.

Recalling the aftermath of the 2017 elections, Orengo praised Raila for his restraint and commitment to peaceful leadership. Despite having his votes allegedly stolen, he said the late leader chose not to proceed with a planned swearing-in as the people’s president at Uhuru Park, demonstrating remarkable self-discipline and respect for the rule of law.

“After the 2017 elections, when his votes were allegedly stolen, Raila, together with a few of us, planned to be sworn in as the people’s president at Uhuru Park. But he did not go through with it. I have witnessed many times when Raila was threatened and nearly killed. Before anyone speaks against him, they should remember what he fought for and stood for,” he said.

Orengo stressed that Raila’s legacy must be actively preserved, emphasising that mere speeches would not be enough to honour the late leader. He noted that Kenyans must ensure that the democratic, political and social gains achieved over the years are not eroded, warning that neglecting these achievements would undermine the true legacy of Raila Odinga.

He also lauded Raila’s peacemaking spirit, citing his role in fostering dialogue between President Ruto and former President Uhuru Kenyatta.

“Raila was a peacemaker, and even today, we can see that Raila could bring Uhuru together, and Ruto is here as president. That was the true spirit of Raila Amolo Odinga, that the nation should keep talking together in unity and as brothers,” he said.

Orengo further reaffirmed the importance of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and its ideology, stressing that the party must be preserved and its founding principles upheld. He condemned those promoting division and tribalism, urging members and leaders to work together to maintain the party’s cohesion and continue advancing its vision for a united Kenya.

He also urged the president and leaders nationwide to honour political institutions, resist divisive politics and ensure that Raila Odinga’s legacy of justice, unity, and democracy endures.

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• RAILA
• President William Ruto
• ODM
• Raila Odinga
• political parties
• James Orengo
• Bondo
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