By Hassan Wekesa - Editor
Kenya, 15 October 2026 - Politics played out on Thursday at Migwena Grounds during the first anniversary of the death of former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga, with chants of “two-term” and “one-term” depending on which leader, and from which faction, was speaking.
Host Governor James Orengo recognised and welcomed the Linda Mwananchi leaders to address attendees after leaders from the government-leaning side had made their remarks.
The Mwananchi Party (TMP) leader, Babu Owino, who has declared his interest in the Nairobi gubernatorial seat, made a measured speech, opting to honour Raila, whom he described as their anchor of direction during political storms.
Babu said Raila was like a tree to them, with many functions and uses.
“Whenever the sun was very hot, we took shelter there, and whenever we were sick, we got medication from that tree, and whenever we were hungry, we plucked fruits to eat,” Babu Owino said.
People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua said Raila was a leader who strongly desired for the nation to be led democratically and for Kenyans to unite.
Presidential hopeful Edwin Sifuna, who is rebranding The Equitable Party (TEP) as the Linda Mwananchi Movement, said he was grateful, alongside other leaders he had worked closely with, to have passed through Raila’s hands. Sifuna chided leaders whom he said were only interested in imposing themselves on people.
“I am very grateful to Baba Raila Odinga. I am also grateful to the people of Siaya and everyone from across the country who stood with us when I served as Secretary General of ODM,” Sifuna said.
He said Raila taught him that leadership is not about forcing yourself on people but about talking to them respectfully.
Overall, there was a mixture of “Tutam” and “Wantam” politics.
Earlier, ODM Deputy Party Leader and Kisii Governor Simba Arati, who also read Dr Oburu Oginga’s speech, said he believed Raila had won the 2013 and 2017 presidential elections but that Uhuru Kenyatta was sworn in by force.
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Arati said he was not happy with Uhuru and claimed that those he is allegedly sponsoring should leave with him and not wreck the ODM party.
“Baba Raila died and left us with a stable party, ODM,” he stated.
Arati added that President William Ruto had done a lot and had shown that Raila indeed deserved national recognition and an honour befitting a man who fought for Kenya’s democratic and progressive ideals.
“Our Party Leader is Dr Oburu Oginga, and together with the ruling United Democratic Alliance, we are going to forge a strong political alliance to form the next government,” Arati stated.
He urged the larger ODM family to support President Ruto’s second-term bid.
Arati’s sentiments were echoed by the Cabinet Secretary for Energy and Petroleum, Opiyo Wandayi, who said the Nyanza region remains an ODM stronghold.
Winnie Odinga, the youngest daughter of the late Raila, declared that she would vie for the Nairobi Senatorial seat.
“There is a visitor from Nairobi, Edwin Sifuna, who has declared that he is seeking higher office. I want to be clear that I will vie for the Nairobi Senatorial seat,” Winnie said.
She urged youths from across the country to declare interest in various political seats ahead of the 2027 General Election.