Natembeya faults ODM leaders over claims on Raila’s political wishes

Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has faulted a section of ODM leaders over their recent remarks on the late Raila Odinga’s alleged political wishes, cautioning against invoking the former Prime Minister’s name for personal or political gain.

Speaking during Mashujaa Day celebrations in Kitale on October 20, 2025, Natembeya criticized those suggesting that Raila had instructed ODM leaders to continue supporting President William Ruto’s administration and remain in the Broad-Based Government.

“Wacha uongo! Raila didn’t know he was going to die. Stop lying to Kenyans about his last wishes,” Natembeya said.

 “Raila was an honest man with clear ideals, and deceit was not one of them. If you wish to remain in the Broad-Based Government, say so without using Baba’s name.”

His remarks came just days after Raila’s state funeral in Bondo, Siaya County, where several ODM leaders, including Gladys Wanga, John Mbadi, Opiyo Wandayi, Hassan Joho, and Wycliffe Oparanya, said Raila had urged them to embrace national unity and cooperation with President Ruto’s government.

“Baba told us to stay in the Broad-Based Government. He believed in unity,” Mbadi said during the funeral on October 19. Wanga echoed the sentiment, praising President Ruto for granting Raila a state burial and urging the ODM family to honor his vision of a cohesive Kenya.

Natembeya, however, questioned the narrative, arguing that it risks distorting Raila’s legacy and principles.

“Every government, past and present, found ways to engage Raila because of his leadership and moral authority. But we must not rewrite his story to suit shifting political ambitions,” he said.

The Trans Nzoia Governor, who recently donated 15 bulls and 15 bags of maize to Raila’s family as part of traditional mourning rites, reaffirmed his commitment to preserving the ideals that defined Raila’s political life, justice, equality, and integrity.

Other ODM figures, including Siaya Governor James Orengo, Kisii Governor Simba Arati, and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, have also pushed back against the “Broad-Based Government” narrative, insisting that ODM should retain its role as a watchdog and defender of democratic accountability.

The growing debate has once again exposed divisions within ODM over its future direction following Raila’s death. Natembeya urged leaders and supporters alike to uphold Raila’s truth and resist any attempts to manipulate his memory.

“Let us protect Baba’s legacy,” he said. “His truth belongs to the people of Kenya — not to political convenience.”