Leaders across the political divide have been urged to emulate the values former Prime Minister Raila Odinga championed.
Raila died while undergoing treatment in India.
He was buried in Bondo yesterday.
Speaking to the press in Garissa town yesterday, NEP regional ODM coordinator Abdiweli Mohammed said Raila's death must not mark the end of the fight for inclusion, fairness and dignity for all, values he stood for throughout his political career.
“Let his sacrifice not be in vain. Let his example light a fire in the hearts of those who believe in a better, more just Kenya,” he said.
“Raila Odinga was not just a political leader, he was a voice for the voiceless, a relentless defender of those too often forgotten by the systems of power.
“As a region, we will never forget Baba’s unwavering advocacy against marginalisation in Northern Kenya.”
During his term as Prime Minister, Raila Odinga was instrumental in establishing the Ministry of Northern Kenya [later converted to Ministry of Devolution] to help address longstanding neglect in the region.
His relentless push for devolution through the 2010 Constitution, which brought crucial resources and services closer to the people, remains one of his most celebrated legacies in the North.
Garissa county ODM chair Mohamed Ali said Raila’s courage in standing with the marginalised, even when it cost him dearly, earned him a place in the hearts of millions of residents and in the history of the nation.
“Kenya still needs leaders who will dare to speak truth to power, walk with the people and place the nation above self. Raila Odinga showed us the way. Now it is up to others to carry the torch forward,” said Ali, commonly known as Amin Computer.
Raila’s vocal support for the strengthening of Kadhi courts also drew praise from the Muslim-majority region, which saw the move as a sign of deep respect for cultural and religious institutions.
Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi had last week described Raila's death as a personal loss, but said the fruits of his vision will live on.
“We remember him as a tireless champion against marginalisation, a man who saw Kenya not through the lens of tribes or territory but through the unifying ideal of equality. We have the new roads, hospitals and water system that now serve generations,” he said.
Abdullahi, a close ally of Raila and elected twice as governor under the ODM party, said it is in that spirit that the people of Wajir consistently stood by him and elected leaders under his vision and banner.
“The people of Garissa and the wider Northern Kenya region held him in the highest esteem. His empathy, humility and vision for a united and prosperous Kenya earned him not only our respect but our unwavering political support over the years,” he said.
