Siaya Governor James Orengo speaking on October 17, 2025 / JAMES ORENGO XSiaya Governor James Orengo has hailed former Prime Minister Raila Odinga as the greatest Kenyan that has ever lived.
Orengo said that the country has lost one of its most consequential sons and a patriot who defended human rights.
The Siaya Governor said that he has never believed that a day would come when Raila Odinga will not be around anymore.
“I never believed that such a day would come when we do not have Jakom around. Kenya has lost one of its most consequential sons and patriot. I can say without fear of contradiction that Raila Odinga is the greatest Kenyan that ever lived,” Orengo said.
“For that reason, I appeal to all our people in the entire Republic, in Nyanza and Siaya, to give us time and space to have a distinguished sendoff for our son and leader Raila.”
Orengo called on the residents to maintain peace and order as they lay the former Prime Minister to rest.
The Siaya Senator said that Kenya will take a long time before it can have another patriot like Raila Odinga.
“A fighter, a revolutionary, a democrat; he deserves the best and a heroic send-off. We will make sure that all systems are in place for that great day of celebration of his life,” he said.
Orengo said that despite the short time to organize the
funeral, they will work around the clock to give the former Prime Minister a befitting
sendoff.
Raila’s body is set to be airlifted to Kisumu on Saturday morning for viewing ahead of burial on Sunday.
Hundreds of mourners filled the streets of Kisumu on Friday evening in a moving candlelight vigil to honour the late Raila.
The emotional tribute stretched deep into the night as the city came alive with song, dance, and remembrance.
The atmosphere in the lakeside city was charged, both electric and mournful, as residents carrying candles and portraits of the fallen leader sang freedom songs and chanted Raila’s name.
The sound of vuvuzelas, drums, and chants echoed across the city, from Kondele to Kibuye, Nyalenda, and the Kisumu Boys roundabout, where groups of mourners danced to the rhythmic beat of traditional drums.
Traders seized the moment, selling vuvuzelas, Kenyan flags, Raila’s portraits, and whistles to the swelling crowd, a scene that mixed commerce with commemoration.
“We are going nowhere tonight,” said Mark Oliech, one of the mourners. “We will sleep in town until morning. We want to be here when Baba arrives.”
As night fell, the flicker of candlelight illuminated the streets, a symbol of unity and unwavering love for a man many in Kisumu fondly call Baba.
In Kondele, residents gathered around a giant screen showing clips of Raila’s political journey.
