Home Tags Posts tagged with "Raila Odinga"
Tag:

Raila Odinga

Police disperse crowds at Kasarani ahead of Raila's body viewing

Police officers were on Thursday, October 16, 2025, forced to lob teargas and fire in the air to disperse a huge crowd at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, ahead of the body viewing of the former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

This is after the crowd occupied the presidential dias at the venue, making it almost impossible for President William Ruto and other dignitaries to access the field.

The incident led to chaos, with at least three people reportedly getting shot dead. The officers spared no one, as a section of journalists was also targeted.

Photo of someone lying on the poitch at Kasarani stadium after getting shot by the police.

President Ruto is among a host of national leaders who have arrived at the Kasarani ahead of the public viewing ceremony for the late Raila Odinga.

Thousands of mourners had gathered at the stadium to pay their final respects.

This development came after a last-minute change to the original plan, which had scheduled the public viewing at Parliament buildings.

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, Cabinet Secretaries led by Kipchumba Murkomen (Interior), and several elected leaders from across the political divide had also arrived.

The abrupt shift to the programme was announced by the National Steering Committee. It was prompted by security and logistical concerns, with Kasarani offering a larger, more manageable space for the massive crowds expected.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestLinkedinTumblrWhatsappTelegramEmail
EALA MP and Raila Odinga's youngest daughter, Winnie Odinga, hands over her father's white fedora hat to Mama Ida Odinga at JKIA on October 16, 2025/ PCS

Inside the VVIP offices of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), a somber moment unfolded. 

Winnie Odinga, the youngest daughter of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and Mama Ida Odinga, gently handed her father’s white fedora hat to her mother.

Clad in jungle-green pants paired with a white shirt and a matching half coat, Winnie knelt as she presented the hat, her head bowed in quiet grief and respect. 

EALA MP and Raila Odinga’s youngest daughter, Winnie Odinga, hands over her father’s white fedora hat to Mama Ida Odinga at JKIA on October 16, 2025/ PCS

Across from her, Mama Ida, dressed in a black skirt suit, a matching hat, a white blouse, and a striped scarf, received her late husband’s treasured hat with composure that barely concealed deep sorrow.

In another frame shared by State House, the two women lock eyes, a silent exchange heavy with emotion and loss.

Earlier, Winnie had stepped off the plane from India, her expression set in solemn resolve. 

In her hands, she carried Raila’s iconic hat, the white fedora that for decades crowned his public persona.

EALA MP and Raila Odinga’s youngest daughter, Winnie Odinga, hands over her father’s white fedora hat to Mama Ida Odinga at JKIA on October 16, 2025/ PCS

As she walked from the aircraft toward awaiting officials and family members, the hat seemed almost weighty with symbolism, a tangible emblem of life, legacy, and leadership now in transition.

Earlier in Mumbai, India, where Raila’s body lay, the same hat had drawn attention when it was photographed resting on a beige seat in the airport lounge, a haunting image that quickly went viral.

EALA MP and Raila Odinga’s youngest daughter, Winnie Odinga, hands over her father’s white fedora hat to Mama Ida Odinga at JKIA on October 16, 2025/ PCS

The image stirred emotions because that hat, for many, represented Raila himself: calm yet resolute, simple yet dignified.

By carrying the hat home herself and handing it to her mother, Winnie turned what was once a trademark accessory into a profound emblem of continuity. 

EALA MP and Raila Odinga’s youngest daughter, Winnie Odinga, hands over her father’s white fedora hat to Mama Ida Odinga at JKIA on October 16, 2025/ PCS

It captured a private family grief and, at the same time, the collective mourning of a nation.

For years, the white fedora had been inseparable from Raila’s image, perched slightly to the side, worn in triumphs and trials alike. 

On this day, it became more than part of his attire. It became the final bridge between memory and legacy.

Raila passed away on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, aged 80. 

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestLinkedinTumblrWhatsappTelegramEmail
Raila Odinga

Medical officials at Devamatha Hospital in Kerala, India, have confirmed what killed former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

According to the medics, Raila died of cardiac arrest while receiving treatment in India.

In a statement released by the hospital on Thursday, doctors said the opposition leader collapsed during a morning walk at around 8:30 a.m. Indian time within the premises of the Ayurvedic wellness facility, where he had been recuperating.

Medical staff on-site administered CPR immediately before rushing him to Devamatha Hospital in Koothattukulam, where he was pronounced dead at 9:52 a.m.

The hospital said Mr. Odinga, 80, had been under treatment for diabetes, hypertension, and chronic kidney disease. A post-mortem examination is set to be conducted as part of routine medical and legal procedures.

According to Mathrubhumi.com, an Indian media outlet, Raila was at the Ayurvedic centre for rest and recovery following a mild stroke he suffered while in Kenya. A spokesperson for the hospital confirmed that he had been receiving regular care and was in the company of his family at the time.

The same hospital had previously treated his daughter, Rosemary Odinga, who regained her sight there after losing vision several years ago.

Indian authorities said information regarding Raila’s death had been relayed to the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) for official processing in accordance with international protocol.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestLinkedinTumblrWhatsappTelegramEmail

The Siaya County Government has announced the suspension of all official functions following the passing of Raila Amollo Odinga, describing the moment as one of profound loss and national grief.

Governor James Orengo said the circumstances necessitate a review of ongoing programmes, including the Siaya International Trade and Investment Conference (SITICO 2025).

“The circumstances dictate a review of the ongoing programme of the Siaya International Trade and Investment Conference. As such, all plenary sessions and side events are postponed to a later date, as we join the family and the nation in mourning our departed leader. We highly regret any inconvenience caused,” said Governor Orengo.

President William Ruto has declared seven days of national mourning in honour of the late Odinga, directing that the national flag fly at half-mast across the country and in Kenyan missions abroad.

Governor Orengo paid an emotional tribute, calling Raila Odinga a statesman whose legacy transcends politics.

“Words fail me to express the shock, deep sorrow and immeasurable grief at the news of the untimely passing of my brother, my friend, my party leader, a statesman and a towering figure of Kenya’s second liberation, and the driving force behind the realisation of the 2010 Constitution,” said Orengo.

He added, “Kenya has lost not just a politician but a revolutionary , a visionary and singular force whose shadow stretched across the most consequential five decades of our history. For the people of Siaya, the entire Luo Nyanza region, and the nation as a whole, we have lost our patriarch the symbol of resilience and a relentless champion of our political and economic rights.”

Further communication on the rescheduled dates for SITICO 2025 and other official engagements will be issued in due course.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestLinkedinTumblrWhatsappTelegramEmail
Raila Odinga with Kalonzo Musyoka

Former Vice President and Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka has paid an emotional tribute to the late Raila Odinga, describing him as “the President who won but was never declared.”

In a heartfelt condolence message released from London, United Kingdom, where he is on a 10-day official visit, Kalonzo said he received the news of Raila’s passing upon arrival at Heathrow International Airport, calling it “devastating and deeply personal.”

“Raila Odinga, fondly referred to as ‘Baba’ by his supporters, was more than an enigma. He was a force of nature that kept going despite all the hurdles put in front of him,” Kalonzo said.

The former Vice President eulogized Raila as a patriot, pan-Africanist, and democrat who sacrificed his freedom and comfort for Kenya’s democracy. He recalled that Raila was the longest-serving political detainee in Kenya’s history, whose courage and resilience defined the nation’s struggle for multiparty democracy.

“At each point of release from detention, he would raise his arms to the heavens, his fist clenched in determination, resolved that the tears and scars he suffered would yield democracy and freedom for Kenya. That is why we call him the Champion of the Second Liberation,” Kalonzo wrote.

Kalonzo described their decades-long political partnership as one built on shared ideals and mutual respect. He recounted working closely with Raila as his running mate in the CORD and NASA coalitions, as well as a partner in the Azimio la Umoja – One Kenya Coalition.

“We learnt a lot from each other and shared a lot of pain together,” he noted, adding that Raila’s role in championing the 2010 Constitution was “instrumental in devolving power from an imperial presidency to a people-centered constitutional order.”

In his message, Kalonzo also extended condolences to Mama Ida Odinga, and the entire Odinga family — Rosemary, Raila Junior, and Winnie — saying that the nation stands in solidarity with them.

“Kenya has lost an exemplary leader, the President who won but was never declared and sworn into office. The loss of Raila Odinga is not only a loss to his family and country, but also to the entire African continent,” Kalonzo said.

He further announced that he would rearrange his schedule in the UK to honor Raila’s memory and participate in the national mourning period once he returns to Kenya.

“I will miss my brother and friend dearly. May God rest the soul of Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga in everlasting peace,” Kalonzo concluded.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestLinkedinTumblrWhatsappTelegramEmail
Raila Odinga

President William Ruto has declared seven days of national mourning following the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

Addressing the Nation at State House, Nairobi, Ruto said that the national flag will fly at half-mast for the said period.

The head of state also revealed that Raila will be accorded a state funeral.

Ruto also announced that a team of Kenyan delegation, led by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, will leave immediately for India to go and make arrangements for the repatriation of Raila’s body.

The repatriation, Ruto says, will be facilitated by the government of India.

According to reports, the former prime minister died on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, in India, during a morning walk. Reports further indicate that Raila died from a heart attack.

According to http://mathrubhumi.com, an Indian outlet, Raila collapsed during a morning walk on Wednesday at 8:30 am, within the premises of the Ayurvedic facility.

It was reported that CPR was administered by the medical team on-site. He was rushed to Devamatha Hospital in Koothattukulam, where he was pronounced dead around 9.52 am Indian Time.

The news on the passing of Raila comes days after his elder brother Oburu Odinga confirmed that he was indeed sick and that he had been admitted for treatment in India.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestLinkedinTumblrWhatsappTelegramEmail
ODM Party Leader Raila Odinga

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Odinga has died at the age of 80.

According to reports, the former prime minister died on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, in India, during a morning walk. Reports further indicate that Raila died from a heart attack.

According to http://mathrubhumi.com, an Indian outlet, Raila collapsed during a morning walk on Wednesday at 8:30 am, within the premises of the Ayurvedic facility.

It was reported that CPR was administered by the medical team on-site. He was rushed to Devamatha Hospital in Koothattukulam, where he was pronounced dead around 9.52 am Indian Time.

The news on the passing of Raila comes days after his elder brother Oburu Odinga confirmed that he was indeed sick and that he had been admitted for treatment in India.

Oburu’s confirmation came days after Raila’s Secretariat came out strongly to dismiss rumors about the health of the former Prime Minister, terming the claims “malicious misinformation” driven by political rivals.

In a hard-hitting statement released on Sunday, Odinga’s Communications Director Dennis Onyango accused a faction led by impeached former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, alongside Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and DAP-K’s Eugene Wamalwa, of orchestrating a coordinated disinformation campaign.

“The political formation of impeached former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and his struggling team of Kalonzo Musyoka and Eugene Wamalwa, among others, are on a familiar campaign of misinformation on the health of former Prime Minister and ODM Party Leader Raila Odinga,” Onyango stated.

He alleged that the group had co-opted sections of traditional media to amplify false reports originating from bloggers and even AI-generated images, portraying them as breaking news.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestLinkedinTumblrWhatsappTelegramEmail
Raila Odinga

The Raila Odinga Secretariat has come out strongly to dismiss rumors circulating online about the health of former Prime Minister and ODM Party Leader Raila Odinga, terming the claims “malicious misinformation” driven by political rivals.

In a hard-hitting statement released on Sunday, Odinga’s Communications Director Dennis Onyango accused a faction led by impeached former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, alongside Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and DAP-K’s Eugene Wamalwa, of orchestrating a coordinated disinformation campaign.

“The political formation of impeached former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and his struggling team of Kalonzo Musyoka and Eugene Wamalwa, among others, are on a familiar campaign of misinformation on the health of former Prime Minister and ODM Party Leader Raila Odinga,” Onyango stated.

He alleged that the group had co-opted sections of traditional media to amplify false reports originating from bloggers and even AI-generated images, portraying them as breaking news.

According to Onyango, the rumors are a continuation of the same smear campaign waged against Odinga earlier this year during his bid for the chairmanship of the African Union Commission (AUC), to exploit Odinga’s popularity for political leverage.

“The misinformation is broadcast by the same team that went on a frenzy against Hon. Raila’s bid for the chairmanship of the African Union Commission earlier this year. Gachagua, Kalonzo & co have co-opted sections of the traditional media that are happily picking feeds from bloggers, including AI-generated images, and broadcasting them as some kind of investigative Breaking News,” the statement read.

“The hope of this team then and now is to bully Hon. Raila to provide a back for them to ride on in their struggle against President William Ruto.”

Raila’s whereabouts

Onyango clarified that Raila Odinga is in good health and recently travelled abroad on a private trip — one of several he has made this year. He dismissed claims that the ODM leader had been flown to Europe for medical reasons.

“The facts are as follows. Hon. Raila has a strong tradition of being open and generous with the country on matters of his health,” Onyango said.

He reminded Kenyans of Odinga’s consistent openness regarding his health in the past, citing public disclosures during his 2010 hospitalization as Prime Minister and his 2021 Covid-19 diagnosis while in the opposition.

“He told the country that he was undergoing a procedure when he was hospitalized as the sitting Prime Minister of the Republic of Kenya in June 2010. He told the country that he was diagnosed with COVID and hospitalized as the Opposition leader in 2021. He would do the same today were he to be in the health situation his opponents wish,” the statement read.

“Hon. Raila travelled out of the country on Friday evening – one of the many trips he has made this year, and definitely not the last. He definitely did not travel to Europe, as picked from bloggers and broadcast by some media houses. He is not indisposed, as prayed for by his frustrated opponents.”

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestLinkedinTumblrWhatsappTelegramEmail
Raila Odinga

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Odinga has sent a heartfelt condolence message to Mathare Constituency Member of Parliament (MP) Anthony Oluoch following the death of his father, Mzee Charles Antony Ondiek.

Raila says the lawmaker’s father died after a 15-year battle with cancer.

Mathare MP Anthony Oluoch. PHOTO/Courtesy

In his message issued via the ODM official social media pages on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, Raila described Mzee Ondiek as a towering pillar of the Kanyakwar community and the wider Kisumu County, recalling their time working together at the Kenya Bureau of Standards in the 1970s.

“Dear Antony, It is with great sorrow that I have learned of the passing of your beloved father. Mzee Charles Antony Ondiek, following a courageous 15-year battle with cancer. I know this is an incredibly painful loss to your family, and pray that you find the strength and comfort to endure this heartbreaking time,” Raila stated.

Raila went ahead to describe his relationship with Mzee Ondiek.

“I knew Mzee well, having worked with him at the Kenya Bureau of Standards in the 1970s, and Kanyakwar has indeed lost a towering pillar of the community, as has the greater Kisumu County. Please accept my deepest condolences, and kindly extend the same to your entire family, friends, and all those who were close to Mzee,” Raila’s message read.

“May the Almighty God be with you during this difficult time, and may Mzee’s soul rest in eternal peace.”

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestLinkedinTumblrWhatsappTelegramEmail

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Communications Director Philip Etale was unable to control his emotions after he viewed the body of Raila Odinga’s long-serving bodyguard, George Oduor.

Taking to his official X account on Thursday, April 3, 2025, Etale said that he broke down uncontrollably on viewing the late George Oduor’s body this morning at the morgue.

According to Etale, the pain of seeing Raila’s aide’s body was too much to bear, stating that the last time he had broken down in such a way was when his father died.

“Upon viewing my friend Georgie’s body at the morgue this morning, I broke down uncontrollably. The pain was too much. The last time I broke down like this was on January 28, 2018, when my father, Justus George Etale, died. Dear God, receive the soul of our brother George with love and forgiveness. Amen,” Etale said.

Oduor died on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, while undergoing treatment at a city hospital.

Raila has mourned his long-serving aide and bodyguard, George Oduor, in a heartfelt tribute.

Raila, in a statement shared via his official social media accounts, mourned George Oduor as a dependable rock.

This, Raila says, is not only to him but also to the larger Jaramogi Oginga Odinga family.

The former prime minister described George Oduor, who passed on Wednesday, April 2, as someone who was always vigilant and extremely professional in discharging his duties, noting that he will dearly miss him.

“George has been a part of Jaramogi’s and my family since the late 80’s. We have stood, fallen, and risen together. He has been a vigilant, calm, confident, and extremely professional aide dedicated to duty and a dependable rock on my side all these years through tumultuous periods. I will miss George, and I am sorry to the myriad friends who miss him already,” Raila said.

George Oduor died on Wednesday while undergoing treatment at a city hospital.

“To his wife, Carol George, entire family, colleagues, and friends, I offer Mama Ida’s and the entire Jaramogi family’s sincere condolences at this devastating loss. May the almighty rest his soul in eternal peace.”

The late Oduor started working with Raila’s father, Mzee Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, in the late 1980s and joined Raila’s team after the death of Jaramogi in 1994.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestLinkedinTumblrWhatsappTelegramEmail

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Odinga has mourned his long-serving aide and bodyguard George Oduor in a heartfelt tribute.

Raila, in a statement shared via his official social media accounts, mourned George Oduor as a dependable rock.

This, Raila says, is not only to him but also to the larger Jaramogi Oginga Odinga family.

The former Prime Ministee described George Oduor, who passed on Wednesday, April 2, as someone who was always vigilant and extremely professional in discharging his duties, noting that he will dearly miss him.

“George has been a part of Jaramogi’s and my family since the late 80’s. We have stood, fallen, and risen together. He has been a vigilant, calm, confident, and extremely professional aide dedicated to duty and dependable rock on my side all these years through tumultuous periods. I will miss George, and I am sorry to the myriad friends who miss him already,” Raila said.

George Oduor died on Wednesday while undergoing treatment at a city hospital.

“To his wife, Carol George, entire family, colleagues, and friends, I offer Mama Ida’s and the entire Jaramogi family’s sincere condolences at this devastating loss. May the almighty rest his soul in eternal peace.”

The late Oduor started working with Raila’s father, Mzee Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, in the late 1980s and joined Raila’s team after the death of Jaramogi in 1994.

Oduor is also said to have been a police reservist and attended VIP protection training locally and internationally.

Although not much is known about Oduor’s personal life, he has been the most visible of Raila’s security detail.

Several leaders allied to Raila, including Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir and his Siaya counterpart James Orengo, have also sent messages of condolence to the family of Oduor and the former Prime Minister for their loss.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestLinkedinTumblrWhatsappTelegramEmail
Raila Odinga hits out at William Ruto

Just days after Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Odinga entered into a deal with President William Ruto, he has issued fresh demands.

Raila on Tuesday, March 11, hit out at Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza administration for what he argued was failing to resolve several issues affecting Kenyans.

Speaking during a funeral service in Kiambu County, Raila faulted Ruto for poor governance, failing to address the challenges in the Social Health Authority (SHA), and imposing high taxes on Kenyans, including the Housing Levy, which he now says the head of state must address.

“I have told Ruto that SHA has a problem; it must be corrected. The taxes being imposed on Kenyans are also high, especially one on the houses,” he said.

Raila on deal with Ruto

Raila also dismissed claims that he has abandoned Kenyans to join and support Ruto.

According to him, he never approached the head of state for a deal, and that his stance remains the same.

The 2022 Azimio presidential flag bearer says it is Ruto who approached him.

“I have heard people saying that I have joined President William Ruto. I want to say that I never approached Ruto; it was Ruto who approached me. My stand remains the same,” Raila said.

Raila went ahead to claim that the Kenya Kwanza administration has developed a cold feet, prompting them to approach him for support.

According to Raila, the 10 point-agenda in the deal signed between him and Ruto is just a chance for the Kenya Kwanza administration to redeem themselves, by fulfilling the issues raised in the joint working framework agreement.

“These guys have caught cold feet and come to us, that’s why I’ve given them the ten agendas you saw. Those are the things we were always asking for and they’ve said they will fulfill them. We will give them an opportunity to work on those things,” Raila said.

ODM-UDA deal

On Friday, March 7, 2025, President Ruto and Raila signed a joint working framework agreement aimed at establishing collaboration between the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party in government.

The agreement, titled “Understanding to Resolve the Social and Political Challenges Facing Kenyans,” seeks to address ten key issues affecting the Kenyan population.

This pact aims to expedite the full implementation of the NADCO report, promote inclusivity in public life, strengthen devolution, protect the livelihoods of young people, uphold leadership and integrity, safeguard the right to peaceful assembly and protest, tackle the national debt, combat corruption, eliminate public resource wastage, enhance government efficiency, and protect the sovereignty of the people, the rule of law, and constitutionalism.

However, the pact has attracted criticism from a section of Kenyans and leaders, some of whom have viewed it as a betrayal.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestLinkedinTumblrWhatsappTelegramEmail
Raila Odinga poses with President William Ruto and a section of East African Heads of States at State House, Nairobi during the official launch of his AUC Chairmanship bid.

President William Ruto has officially launched Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition leader Raila Odinga’s bid for African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship bid.

The event that was held at State House, Nairobi, on Tuesday, August 27, 2024, was attended by East African Heads of States, who included Uganda’s Yoweri Museveni, Tanzania’s Samia Suluhu Hassan, South Sudan’s Salva Kiir and representatives from Rwanda and Burundi.

Raila has promised to tackle several issues in Africa, should he manage to clinch the role of AUC Chairmanship.

Here are some of the issues Raila has promised to tackle.

Agricultural Transformation

Raila has pledged to promote market access within the continent and value addition in Africa’s agricultural and aquaculture sectors.

He has also promised to promote sustainable food production, agribusiness and the modernisation of agriculture to reinforce food security, to foster job creation and enhance rural livelihoods.

Gender Equality And Equality

Raila says throughout his life, he has been an indefatigable champion of the rights of women and girls. As Chairperson of AUC, he says he will prioritise opportunity, dignity, and security for women and girls across the continent.

Make Africa people-centred

During the official launch of his AUC bid, Raila said he plans to work with African Heads of States and make the African Union (AU) more people-centered and serve the interests of the voiceless majority of Africans.

Raila promises a united Africa characterised by peace, prosperity and sustainable progress.

Enhancing Intra- African Trade

Raila has pledged to advocate for open skies, visa policy harmonization, and infrastructure development to facilitate seamless connectivity and movement of goods and peoples across Africa.

According to Raila, overcoming these barriers will spur economic growth and position Africa as a global economic player and leader.

Continental Integration

Raila says he will support Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and drive implementation of initiatives to enhance continental unity and prosperity.

Financial Independence

Raila has pledged to advocate for the reform of the global financial architecture to ensure Africa’s equitable participation in global economic decisions.

He has also pledged to rally AU Member States and engage the private sector to finance AU priorities, ensuring sustainable development and delivery on continental goals.

Peace And Security

Raila has pledged to prioritize conflict prevention and resolution and work with African leaders across the continent to address the root causes of instability, and promote functional institutions to create a conducive environment for Africa’s development and prosperity.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestLinkedinTumblrWhatsappTelegramEmail
Raila Odinga

Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition leader Raila Odinga has stepped forward with a compassionate donation of Kshs. 1 million to aid the victims of the tragic Embakasi gas plant explosion.

The explosion, which occurred in the Mradi area of Embakasi East on Thursday night, claimed three lives and left over 270 people injured.

Embakasi East Member of Parliament, Babu Owino, took to social media to announce the gracious gesture from Raila Odinga.

According to Owino, the leader of the Azimio coalition sent the funds on Saturday morning, just a day after the devastating incident.

“I received 1 million Kenya Shillings from H.E Baba Raila Amolo Odinga this morning to help the fire victims. In addition, I have donated an extra 1 million shillings towards this noble cause, totaling 2 million shillings. Other Azimio Leaders are also contributing towards this. God bless Kenya, and please pray for Embakasi East,” Babu Owino tweeted.

The Embakasi East MP expressed his commitment to supporting the victims and revealed that other leaders affiliated with the Azimio la Umoja coalition party are also actively contributing to the cause.

The tragedy has sparked a nationwide outcry, with many questioning the safety measures surrounding the licensing of the gas plant within a residential area.

President William Ruto has responded swiftly, ordering the immediate arrest and prosecution of all officials involved in issuing the licenses to the gas plant.

The additional 1 million Kenyan Shillings donated by Babu Owino, combined with Raila Odinga’s initial contribution, brings the total relief fund to 2 million shillings.

The funds are expected to provide much-needed assistance to the affected families and aid in their recovery from this devastating incident.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestLinkedinTumblrWhatsappTelegramEmail
Chief Justice

Azimio party leader Raila Odinga has dropped a bombshell, accusing President William Ruto of orchestrating a strategic move to appoint former Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) chairperson Wafula Chebukati as the Chief Justice of Kenya.

Raila in his recent media briefing unveiled a purported plot hatched during a crucial meeting between the Judiciary, Parliament, and the Executive at State House, Nairobi.

Raila claims that President Ruto has been offered slots in the gazetted Court of Appeal vacancies, intending to use two of them to appoint Chebukati and his predecessor at IEBC, Issack Hassan, as Court of Appeal judges.

The grand plan allegedly involves Chebukati’s subsequent elevation to Chief Justice before the 2027 General Election.

According to Raila, this clandestine agreement was reached during a meeting at State House, Nairobi, where Chief Justice Martha Koome and Mr. Ruto allegedly struck a deal that involved additional funding to the Judiciary.

Raila details the intricate agreement, asserting that in exchange for additional funding, Chief Justice Koome agreed to advertise vacancies for five high court judges and 11 Court of Appeal judges.

The advertisement for the 11 judges has reportedly already been gazetted. Notably, Raila claims that Ruto intends to forward the names of Chebukati and Ahmed Issack Hassan as Court of Appeal judges, with Chebukati later rising to the position of Chief Justice.

The alleged political maneuvering raises serious concerns about the independence of the judiciary and the potential influence of the executive in judicial appointments.

If proven true, this revelation could have far-reaching consequences for the credibility of the judicial system and democratic processes in Kenya.

As Raila Odinga brings these accusations to the forefront, the Kenyan political landscape is left grappling with the potential ramifications of this alleged plot.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestLinkedinTumblrWhatsappTelegramEmail
Raila Odinga

President William Ruto’s foreign trips will not attract any investors into the country, opposition leader Raila Odinga has said.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Citizen TV aired on Wednesday evening, the Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya leader said Kenya Kwanza’s hiked taxes are scaring away investors.

According to the former Prime Minister, the head of state’s foreign trips are a waste of time.

Raila went ahead to note that the current administration has created a very unfriendly environment for business and as result, investors are opting for tax-friendly destinations.

He said investors ask those already in the country how the environment is before they choose to invest.

President Ruto has made more than 40 foreign trips to several countries since taking over power in September last year and has defended them as a mission to attract foreign investors to Kenya and organize jobs abroad for Kenyans.

Speaking on December 17 at State House during a joint press interview, the President said that despite his many travels he can account for every shilling.

The President said that through his foreign travels, Kenya has benefited from the bilateral deals that have revived stalled projects and given Kenyans jobs.

Ruto admitted that he has travelled more than his predecessor Uhuru Kenyatta and affirmed that it is because of that the country is now stable.

An analysis of Controller of Budget reports, since Ruto ascended to power in September last year, shows that the presidency has spent Sh357 million on foreign travel alone.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestLinkedinTumblrWhatsappTelegramEmail