Oburu misses Raila anniversary event, sends optimistic message as he recuperates

By  Rushdie Oudia

Correspondent

Nation Media Group

As President William Ruto led the country in marking the anniversary of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, one notable absentee was Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Dr Oburu Oginga.

Dr Oginga, the Siaya Senator and spokesperson of the Odinga family, would ordinarily be expected to attend such an important event and, as head of the family, take a leading role in the proceedings.

They, however, maintained that he was recuperating well.

The assurance came amid conflicting reports about his health, which Dr Oginga sought to dispel in a speech read on his behalf by his son Jaoko Oburu.

“I wish to share a personal update. As you can see, I am speaking to you while observing strict directives from my doctors to rest and limit my physical engagements. However, I want to assure you that even as I take this forced rest, my spirit, mind and heart are fully present. I am keenly aware of every detail of this ceremony and I share the same commitment to this course and to the unity of our people as everyone gathered here today,” Dr Oginga said.

His apologies were also conveyed by Ida Odinga and Raila Odinga Junior, who exuded confidence and assured the public that Dr Oginga would recover as soon as possible.

In his message, Dr Oginga described ODM as a premium legacy institution in Kenya’s democratic journey, citing its role in the struggle for multiparty democracy and devolution.

“Through our participation in the broad-based government, we are witnessing the fruits of political maturity and unity. This collaborative arrangement has stabilised our political environment and accelerated critical national infrastructural developments,” Dr Oginga said.

But while acknowledging the gains from national development, Dr Oginga cautioned that infrastructure alone was not enough.

He called for development to be extended to human development, particularly through the creation of meaningful employment opportunities for young people.

“Our greatest concern today lies with our educated young men, brilliant, capable youth who find themselves without job opportunities. When young people are left with no economic anchor, desperation sets in, forcing many to turn to goonism and destructive behaviours out of sheer hopelessness,” Dr Oginga said.

He called for progressive leadership, unity and a shared vision to address the challenges facing the youth.

The Siaya Senator also praised the handover of the Raila Amolo Mausoleum, describing it as a significant milestone that would serve as a beacon for future generations to learn the price of liberty and the value of national unity.

“This mausoleum is not just a place of rest; it stands proudly as a living centre of democracy. It is a monument dedicated to the ideals of freedom, constitutionalism and the relentless pursuit of justice that my brother championed throughout his life,” Dr Oginga said.

The centre will also host a state-of-the-art library containing historical archives, research materials and digital repositories documenting Kenya’s long walk to democratic liberation.

During the event, the implementation of two key agreements that brought together opposition chief Odinga and President Ruto dominated the unveiling of the former Prime Minister’s mausoleum in Bondo on Wednesday.

The Opposition, led by Siaya Governor James Orengo, maintained that President Ruto had failed to fully implement the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report and the 10-point agenda signed between Odinga’s Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) parties.

Pro Broad-Based Government leaders, however, insisted that the President had honoured his commitments and made progress in implementing the agreements.

Mr Orengo, in a rare appearance on the same podium as Dr Ruto, whom he has criticised in recent months, reflected on his more than 50 years alongside Mr Odinga and what he believed his longtime friend and political ally would have wanted to see.

“For over 50 years, I stood alongside Raila, an unrivalled institution and the greatest Kenyan to ever live, from his gruelling detention days to his bold stand against oppression. Now, Kenya stands at a crossroads. We must unite and honour Baba’s vision by fully executing the NADCO report and his 10 Point Agenda,” said Mr Orengo.

But President Ruto stressed that the Broad-Based Government was not a pact for power, but a commitment to Kenya.

He  said the greatest tribute to the former Prime Minister would be to turn his ideals into tangible improvements in the lives of Kenyans.

“Our duty is not merely to remember Raila. Our duty is to finish his work: To believe in Kenya as he did, and to trust that united, we can overcome any challenge, whatever our differences. We build in stone to remember him. We build in policy and action to honour him,” he said.

Present at the event were Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and Cabinet Secretaries Opiyo Wandayi (Energy), Alice Wahome (Housing), Wycliffe Oparanya (Co-operatives), Hanna Wendot Cheptumo (Gender), Geoffrey Ruku (Public Service) and Eric Muriithi Muuga (Water).

Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga said Mr Odinga was a strong believer in inclusion, having fought for devolution, equitable sharing of resources and greater representation of women in leadership.

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