Friends of Raila Odinga Nakuru Chapter have called in Kenyans to mourn Odinga with decorum and respect he deserves as a hero.
Addressing press in Nakuru Town on Thursday, the group comprising of various leaders from the opposition parties, they stated that Kenyans should mourn Odinga peacefully.
Led by former Molo MP Njenga Mungai, they termed Odinga as a unifying factor in Kenya.
While relaying condolences, Mungai termed the death of Odinga as a shock to many Kenyans especially owing to the fact that he was an icon.
He termed Odinga a leader who had vision and stood with courage to ensure Kenyans are enjoying fruits such as devolution.
“Odinga suffered a lot in fighting for a better Kenya. As Nakuru Leaders we join Kenyans in mourning him. We have lost one of us whom we cannot replace. We pray that Kenya will remain united,” he stated.
The former Lawmaker also used the moment to call on Kenyans to unite in prayers even as they mourn.
According to him, Odinga was an advocate of unity and that is what Kenyans should emulate and ensure rights of everyone are safeguarded.
“All leaders should emulate Odinga and ensure rights of everyone,” he said.
Mungai also called on Nakuru leaders to shun politics of division and parties, and ensure they look into issues affecting Nakuru residents.
Former Speaker County Assembly of Nakuru Joel Maina Kairu called for the need for unity even in mourning departed leader.
Kairu who was the chair Azimio Coalition in Nakuru during the 2022 general polls, recalled how he worked with Odinga to coordinate campaigns in Nakuru County.
The former Speaker termed Odinga as a true leader who believed in democracy and unity of the nation, adding that he helped shape the Governance of the country.
He pointed out that Odinga played critical role in the referendum that led to the new Constitution 2010 that gave birth to Devolution.
Kairu used the moment to call in Kenyans to emulate Odinga’s virtues in matters politics and good if the people.
“We are mourning a true hero of this country and we urge Kenyans to remain peaceful and united,” he stated.
ODM Nakuru County Chairman Bernard Miruka on his part termed the death of Odinga a big blow to the country.
He announced that as leaders in Nakuru, they are planning to have a huge team travel to Bondo for the burial.
“We have plans on how we can have team Nakuru travel to Bondo so that we can also give our last respects to Raila Odinga,” stated Miruka.
Sentiments echoed by Hezron Okiki who stated that Odinga had many friends from all the tribes of Kenya.
According to Okiki, Kenyans should stand up and continue fighting for what Odinga stood for.
“We need to continue with the spirit that Odinga had of ensuring good governance,” stated Okiki.
Asumpta Wangui who spoke on behalf of women leaders in Nakuru, termed Odinga as a leader who fought for the rights of Kenyans.
According to her, Odinga was always ready to listen and find a lasting solution to the issues affecting Kenyans.
The Nakuru Iron Lady was categorical that what Odinga started in defending the rights will go on.
“Even though we are mourning, we are saying that what Raila taught is what we shall continue with in safeguarding Kenya,” stated Asumpta.
Sentiments echoed by Jubilee Chairman Nakuru County Harrison Muiruri.
He stated that many fruits being felt today are what Raila Odinga fought for during his time.
Muiruri called on Nakuru Leaders in opposition to remain united and spearhead what Raila stood for.
“Raila had agenda to ensure Kenya has no corruption and that we have good governance,” stated Muiruri.
DCP representative in Nakuru Mr. Kariko Mwangi termed Odinga as a true patriot who served the nation through his selflessness.
He relayed his condolences to the ODM party and Kenyans as a whole on behalf of DCP Nakuru.
Advocate of the High Court of Kenya Boniface Ndumia appreciated the late Odinga for the dispensation of the constitution.
“On behalf of LSK Nakuru, I wish to join all Kenyans in mourning a fallen icon. His legacy will leave beyond his death,” he stated.
In a tribute read by former Nakuru County CECM for Youth, Sports and Social Services Josephine Atieno, the Friends of Raila Nakuru Chapter stated that the Name of Odinga was greatly woven in the democracy of this country.
They termed Odinga a light that shone brightly and gone off soon.
“There is no doubt that he leaves a legacy to huge to be emulated. It is difficult to understand what the family is going through,” read the tribute.
According to the Friends of Raila Odinga Nakuru Chapter, Kenyans should emulate the virtues Raila Odinga fought for in this country.
Odinga passed in India while undergoing treatment.
He will be laid to rest in a state funeral in Bondo over the weekend, event that is expected to be graced various dignitaries among them President William Ruto.