News of the passing of veteran opposition leader and statesman Mr Raila Odinga on Wednesday sent ripples of grief and reflection across the North Rift, a region known more for its pro-government stance than its support for the former Prime Minister.
Yet, despite political differences, leaders and residents came together to mourn a man whose legacy transcended party lines and touched the heart of Kenya’s democratic journey.
From Eldoret to Turkana, towns across the region paused to remember Mr Odinga’s tireless fight for justice, constitutionalism, and the country’s second liberation.
Residents of Eldoret City took to the streets to mourn Raila Odinga, describing him as a hero who sacrificed his life for democracy.
Photo credit: Titus Ominde | Nation
Eldoret city came to a standstill as mourners filled the streets with sombre and powerful mourning scenes to pay their final respects in deeply symbolic ways.
They expressed regret that the leader passed away before providing guidance ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Orange Democratic Movement Party leader Raila Odinga addresses delegates during a meeting at Kenmosa in Eldoret town, Uasin Gishu County on October 15, 2021.
Photo credit: Jared Nyataya | Nation Media Group
Cries of "Jowi, Jowi," a traditional Luo mourning chant, echoed through the air as mourners waved palm branches and carried twigs on the streets of Eldoret City.
Grief took many forms: women broke down in tears, hands clutching their heads, while some men lay flat on the Uganda Highway, overcome with emotion.
In a powerful cultural tribute, youth from the Nyanza region residing in Eldoret performed mock battles using improvised spears and shields, a traditional Luo custom to honour a fallen hero, as businesses shut down in solidarity and sorrow.
Political leaders, youth, civil rights activists, and ordinary citizens alike acknowledged the deep mark he left on Kenya’s political landscape, praising his unwavering commitment to democracy and unity.
The Kalenjin Council of Elders described the former Prime Minister as a dedicated peacemaker who sacrificed much for Kenyans and mentored many leaders. The elders mourned Mr Odinga as a great statesman who played a significant role in shaping the country's leadership and championed justice and equality.
“We have lost a great leader and age-mate who sacrificed a lot for this country. This is a time of national mourning, and he will be missed by all,” said Mr Alex Mursi, 81, a council member, Uasin Gishu chapter.
Former Vice Chairman of the Talai Council of Elders, Mr Christopher Koyogi, said he has known the Odinga family for many years, both socially and politically, and his death was a great loss to the country.
MPs across the region eulogised Mr Odinga as a towering figure whose courage, resilience, and commitment to democracy profoundly shaped Kenya’s history.
They remembered him as a unifying force for Kenya and a tireless defender of democracy and good governance, praising his unwavering commitment to protecting vulnerable communities.
ODM chief Raila Odinga (centre) with (from right) former ministers Franklin Bett, Henry Kosgey, Dr Sally Kosgei and Musa Sirma during an event at Kenmosa Village in Eldoret in 2012.
Photo credit: File | Nation Media Group
Pokot South MP Mr David Pkosing highlighted Mr Odinga’s role in stabilising the current government, crediting him for both its formation and survival. He described Mr Odinga’s decision to back President William Ruto’s government as an act of rare political selflessness, noting that his support was instrumental in stabilising the Kenya Kwanza administration, a sacrifice that, he says, changed the course of the country's leadership.
“Ruto is now in his first term, phase two, courtesy of Raila. He sacrificed everything to support the broad-based government,” he said, adding that Mr Odinga’s decision to back President Ruto despite opposition demonstrated true patriotism and placed the country above politics.
“This government exists because of Raila. He always believed that a country is bigger than politics. When he chose to support the Ruto administration, despite pressure from many who told him not to, he stood firm and showed true patriotism,” the MP said.
Pokot South MP David Pkosing.
Photo credit: File | Nation
He praised Mr Odinga as a leader who consistently stood with the people, describing his death as a monumental loss for the nation.
“We have lost a king and a trusted leader. We have lost a Constitution because Raila was a walking constitution,” said Mr Pkosing.
“He was a man with a solid following, a bold leader like no other in Kenya,” the MP added.
The sentiments were shared by Deputy Governor Turkana County, Dr John Erus, who said Mr Odinga’s courageous decision to back President Ruto’s administration was instrumental in stabilising the Kenya Kwanza government after the formation of the broad-based government.
He said, despite opposition from many quarters, Mr Odinga prioritised national unity over politics, paving the way for a broad-based government that has brought together leaders across party lines.
Leaders and residents urged President Ruto to sustain the spirit of cooperation and unity that Mr Odinga had worked hard to build between rival political camps.
Kapenguria MP Dr Samuel Moroto reflected on Mr Odinga’s role in bringing calm during turbulent times.
“During the Kibaki regime and the Gen Z demonstrations, Raila stood with Kenyans and helped avert bloodshed. His death has left us fearful of what comes next. We had made progress toward reconciliation and unity,” he said.
“We are deeply saddened by Baba’s death. His passing is untimely, especially at a time when his leadership was most needed,” he said.
The MP highlighted Mr Odinga’s pivotal role in ensuring that residents in insecurity-prone areas were no longer subjected to government oppression.
“We recall the 1984 Nyundo operation, where he stood with us. This is why he commands strong support in West Pokot County, even without campaigning,” the MP said.
Baringo MP Charles Kamuren expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Mr Odinga, describing him as one of Kenya’s greatest sons whose courage, resilience, and steadfast commitment to freedom and unity profoundly shaped the nation’s destiny.
“I received the news of Odinga’s passing with deep sorrow and disbelief. He was a towering figure in our history, a true patriot and relentless champion of democracy and justice,” said MP Kamuren.
Kenya has lost a great son; his legacy will forever remain etched in the hearts of millions who drew inspiration from his selfless service and enduring spirit,” he said.
Prime Minister Raila Odinga (centre), Deputy Prime Minister Musalia Mudavadi (right) and nominated MP Musa Sirma during a fund-raiser in Talau Mixed Secondary School in West Pokot District on February 08, 2011. Mr Odinga said he is confident of capturing the presidency in next year’s polls.
Photo credit: File | Nation
Eldama Ravine MP Musa Sirma echoed the sentiment, describing Odinga as a true statesman and patriot whose leadership and sacrifices profoundly shaped Kenya’s history.
“On behalf of the people of Eldama Ravine and myself, I extend heartfelt condolences to the Odinga family, friends, and all Kenyans during this difficult time,” said MP Sirma.
North Rift KANU coordinator Mr Paul Kibet described Mr Odinga as the “President Kenyans missed,’ terming him a nationalist, political mobiliser, and peacemaker who worked with leaders across the political spectrum.
“The former Prime Minister had the interests of Kenya at heart. He collaborated with leaders across party lines and, at one point, even served as our party’s Secretary General. He helped unite the country through handshakes and political mergers,” the Kanu official said.
IMG_0443
Photo credit: Titus Ominde | Nation
Former presidential aspirant Reuben Kigame called Mr Odinga a hero who sacrificed his life for the democratic ideals of the nation. Speaking in Eldoret, Mr Kigame urged President William Ruto to honour Odinga’s legacy by restoring democracy and respecting human rights in Kenya.
“Raila Odinga’s death is a significant loss for the entire country. He was a champion of democracy whose legacy will live on forever,” he remarked.
In Turkana, news of Mr Odinga’s death struck a particularly emotional chord in a county where the ODM holds strong influence despite ongoing political challenges.
Residents had eagerly awaited a scheduled visit by Mr Odinga, aimed at resolving local leadership disputes and uniting party members ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“The death of Mr Odinga, the father of devolution, has left a void in our hearts as residents of Turkana. We were looking forward to seeing him bring unity,” said Mr Samal Lorinyok, a local resident.
“His mission was to heal divisions and chart a clear path forward for ODM in the county,” he said.
Nasa leaders Kalonzo Musyoka (left) and Raila Odinga prepare to address Lodwar, Turkana County, residents at Moi Stadium on July 27, 2017. Mr Odinga said many youth were not employed in Turkana and he would reverse that.
Photo credit: File | Nation
Turkana remains an ODM stronghold, with many residents vowing to honour Mr Odinga’s legacy by continuing to support the party in future elections and his role in establishing devolved systems and infrastructure.
Turkana South MP Ariko Namoit called Mr Odinga a legend whose courage and vision shaped Kenya for decades, describing him as a fearless reformist and true patriot who gave voice to the voiceless and hope to the oppressed.
Turkana North MP Ekwom Nabuin described him as a mentor and father figure across political divides, whose lifelong fight for justice and good governance transformed the nation.
In Trans Nzoia, Kitale town fell into a sombre silence as residents grappled with the loss of a leader who had played a pivotal role in shaping Kenya’s democratic progress.
“Raila was a pillar of democracy and devolution in Kenya. His death leaves a huge gap, and he will be deeply missed,” said human rights activist Mr Paul Wamalwa.
In Baringo County, the mourning was equally profound.
Mr Alfred Kimosop, a longtime ODM supporter, expressed deep sadness over the loss of a leader who fought tirelessly against corruption and championed devolution.
“Raila was a father of democracy who cared deeply about Kenyans,” Mr Kimosop said. “His passing is a shock, but his work uniting the country offers hope for continued peace.”
In West Pokot, residents Ms Rael Akazile and Sengwer elder Dickson Rotich called on the nation to uphold Mr Odinga’s legacy by embracing unity and justice.
Reporting by Caroline Wafula, Barnabas Bii, Oscar Kakai, Florah Koech, Sammy Lutta and Evans Jaola.
