Siaya Governor James Orengo has called for a comprehensive account of the circumstances surrounding the death of veteran opposition leader Raila Odinga, saying many questions remain unanswered and must eventually be addressed.
Speaking in Nairobi on Thursday, Orengo said Raila Odinga’s passing continues to trouble his supporters and many Kenyans, insisting that authorities must pursue the truth through an objective and transparent process.
“I want to say without fear of contradiction, the death of Raila Odinga, which is still a mystery to a lot of us, those who bear responsibility for the death of Raila are out there, and they are silent about it,” Orengo said.
He maintained that establishing the facts surrounding Raila’s death should remain a priority for those who believe in justice and accountability.
“I hope that one day we will determine the circumstances in which Raila passed away. And that must be an objective that we must achieve,” he stated.
Parallels With Jaramogi Oginga Odinga
Orengo drew comparisons with remarks he made years ago during the funeral of Kenya’s first vice president, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, Raila’s father. At the time, he publicly questioned the circumstances of Jaramogi’s death in the presence of then-President Daniel arap Moi.
“I said at the funeral of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga that they killed Jaramogi. I said it in the presence of President Daniel arap Moi,” Orengo recalled.
The governor said that just as Jaramogi’s political ideals endured long after his death, Raila Odinga’s legacy would continue to shape Kenya’s political and social direction.
“In saying that they killed Jaramogi, I also said that the spirit of Jaramogi would live on. Today I can say the spirit of Raila lives on,” he said.
Raila Odinga, who passed away in October 2025, led the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and remained a central figure in Kenya’s opposition politics for decades.
Orengo Accuses Ruto of Interfering in ODM
Orengo addressed the media alongside ousted ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna and shifted his focus to the current turmoil within the Orange Democratic Movement. He accused President William Ruto of orchestrating unrest within the party following Raila’s death.
According to Orengo, President Ruto assumed control of ODM after the demise of its founding leader. He claimed that Ruto has hosted meetings with ODM officials at State House and at his Kilgoris residence.
“The problem in ODM is President Ruto. We are asking Ruto to let ODM GO. Let ODM alone. He has not taken it hostage; he is in possession of the ODM party. He is convening meetings of ODM organs. Leave ODM alone,” said Orengo.
The Siaya governor also criticized the National Executive Committee’s decision to remove Edwin Sifuna as secretary general on Wednesday. He defended Sifuna’s record, saying he had stood firmly with Raila Odinga during critical moments and managed party affairs through two general elections.
“During the entire life of Raila Odinga and during the period in which Edwin Sifuna was the secretary general, there is no single moment that Raila criticized Edwin Sifuna in public,” Orengo remarked.
“I shudder to think that mere minions… people who have no legitimacy in the entire country can dare talk about Edwin Sifuna. Sifuna speaks for the party.”
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