Politics dominates Beryl Odinga funeral as opposition calls for revisiting of Nadco report to honour Raila

Opposition leaders have urged a relook into the National Dialogue Committee (Nadco) report that addressed various problems facing Kenyans, especially justice for victims of police brutality, now that the compensation team formed by President William Ruto has been quashed by the High Court.

Building on ODM leader Oburu Oginga’s recent comments on the report, DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa, who is part of the United Opposition, on Saturday asked for implementation of the matters that former Prime Minister Raila Odinga fought for.

Speaking during the burial of Dr Oburu’s sister Beryl Achieng Odinga at Nyamira School in Siaya County on Saturday, Mr Wamalwa urged a revisit of the Nadco issues.

“There are things we wanted in the Nadco report that were never seen through,” Mr Wamalwa said in reference to the joint team formed between Mr Odinga’s Azimio la Umoja and President Ruto's Kenya Kwanza Alliance. 

“But there are those things Baba [Mr Odinga] fought for a lot, especially justice for the victims, the Azimio youths who were killed in the 2023 protests and the Gen Z killed in the 2024 Finance Bill protests. Over 200 youths, many of them from Nyanza, lost their lives," Mr Wamalwa said.

Read: Odinga family’s burial decision on Beryl Achieng sparks culture storm in Luo nation

"We support you, Dr Oburu, when you say that the Nadco report, especially justice for the victims, should be implemented,” he added, noting that some of the committee members were present.

At the burial, Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka and Mr Wamalwa declared themselves true friends of the Odinga family.

Ms Achieng, who died at 72, was laid to rest at Kang’o ka Jaramogi, the family’s burial site, just over 40 days after the burial of her brother, Mr Odinga.

Mr Wamalwa told mourners that the United Opposition stands firmly with the Odinga family.

“We wish you well our big brother, Oburu Oginga, leading the biggest party, ODM. There is a lot of responsibility on your shoulders,” he said.

Read: The mother Kenya forgot: The untold grief and strength of 'Mama Uhuru' Oginga

He urged ODM members and Dr Oburu against forgetting old allies as new political friendships form. 

“Even if you have new friends, do not forget your old friends. If anything happens and you want to look back to where your friends are, you can come to Kalonzo or Wamalwa,” he said.

Mr Musyoka revealed his long connection to the family, having studied with Beryl at the University of Nairobi.

“We are actually age mates, she was born in March but I was born in December,” he said. 

The Wiper Party leader He expressed frustration over unfulfilled promises of justice for communities.

“I can’t sit and keep quiet if members’ rights are being infringed,” he said.

Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, one of the ODM deputy party leaders, said the outfit remained strong after Mr Odinga's death, but that there will be talks on the party’s future. 

Calls for political tolerance

ODM party leader Oburu Oginga rejected any notion of a leadership vacuum.

“There is no vacuum. Raila left very big shoes. I was given those shoes. What are you going to sit down and arrange? Let us stand with our party. Let’s be united,” Dr Oginga said.

Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Sharrif Nassir, another ODM deputy party leader, emphasised unity as the party’s core value ahead of the 2027 general election.

“We will not be in opposition. We are going to be part of government or forming the government," Mr Nassir said.

Siaya Governor James Orengo used the occasion to criticise current political behaviour.

Read: Oburu cuts short Dubai holiday to bury sister

He contrasted the present situation with President Mwai Kibaki’s government, when public servants maintained proper boundaries. 

“Currently, when one holds an office, he comes and dictates to others. We can’t be downtrodden. We have to say no,” Mr Oreno said.

Mr Orengo urged ODM members to walk with the people rather than getting ahead of them. 

“Let us listen to what people are saying. That will determine the direction we are going,” he said.

He called for political tolerance and accommodation of youthful leaders within the party with divergent views.

Read: Raila's sister Beryl Achieng dies in Nairobi

Dr Wenwa Akinyi Odinga, recalled growing up with the late Beryl almost as twins. 

She noted that her deceased sister had written a tribute for their elder brother Raila Odinga just six weeks earlier on behalf of the three sisters. 

“Who knew that you would be gone 40 days later, even as we were still mourning Raila?” Dr Wenwa posed as she eulogised her sister.

Ms Ruth Odinga, the youngest sibling in the Jaramogi family, remembered the late Beryl as her fierce protector who would plait her hair up to three times a day.

“She was my first friend, my fierce protector, and the constant presence that shaped the woman I became,” Ruth said.

She described Beryl as “bold, possessive, loving, and fiercely loyal.”

The burial brought together several political leaders and family members still grieving their brother’s death.

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