Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i has called on leaders from the Nyanza region to uphold unity in memory of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. Speaking during a church service in Homa Bay County over the weekend, Matiang’i reflected on Raila’s unifying leadership and his ability to calm political tempests across the nation.
“I had the privilege of working with Baba after the handshake with former President Uhuru Kenyatta,” Matiang’i said. “Even after leaving government, we often consulted him. Raila had a unique way of putting people together he preferred quiet consultation and reconciliation behind the scenes.”
Matiang’i noted that Raila treated everyone from the greater Nyanza region Kisii, Nyamira, Homa Bay, and Kisumu as his children. He urged leaders to emulate Raila’s inclusive approach by remaining united despite emerging political divisions following his passing.
“With that spirit of togetherness, we must now pay the ultimate tribute to him by staying united as one family. That is what he would have wanted,” Matiang’i emphasized.
The former CS also highlighted Raila’s strong bonds with people in Kisii and Nyamira counties, saying the opposition leader had numerous friends and homes in the Gusii region where he was always welcomed warmly.
Matiang’i’s appeal comes amid growing uncertainty within the ODM party, as some leaders express support for the broad-based government, while others insist the party will field a presidential candidate in 2027.
He called on citizens to support all elected leaders governors, senators, MPs, women representatives, and MCAs in delivering on their mandates as a way of honouring Raila’s enduring legacy as a champion of devolution and good governance.
Raila Odinga, who made five attempts at the presidency, passed away on October 15, 2025, in India while receiving treatment. He was laid to rest on October 19 at his family home in Kang’o Ka Jaramogi, Bondo, in a ceremony attended by President William Ruto and other national leaders.
