Julius Maina Kago/HANDOUT
Siaya Governor James Orengo has paid tribute to Mzee Julius Maina Kago, describing him as an unsung general in Kenya's struggle for multi-party democracy following his death at the age of 75.
In a condolence message, Orengo said Kago died on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at King David Hospital in Ng’ong’. He noted that Kago's death coincided with the 36th anniversary of the Saba Saba movement.
"It is with profound sadness and a heavy heart that I have learned of the passing of Mzee Julius Maina Kago," Orengo said.
The governor recalled Kago's role during the pro-democracy movement in November 1991, when the KANU government had banned public assemblies.
According to Orengo, Kago risked his life by driving opposition leaders to the historic Kamukunji Grounds despite the restrictions imposed at the time.
"He was not just a driver; he was an unsung general of Kenya's democratic struggle," Orengo said.
Orengo said Kago ferried the late Martin Shikuku, Masinde Muliro, Phillip Gachoka, himself and other opposition leaders to the gathering, which he described as a defining moment in Kenya's push for multi-party democracy.
He said the Toyota Stout pickup used for the journey, which belonged to Kago's employer, Hezekiel Gachu, became "an enduring symbol of defiance, resistance, and the unyielding quest for multi party democracy."
Orengo also highlighted Kago's personal journey, saying he later moved from being an employee to owning his own vehicle through hard work and determination.
"Through sheer grit and hard work, Mzee Kago later transitioned from an employee to owning his own vehicle, a testament to his personal resilience," he said.
Reflecting on the historic events, Orengo said Kago was the only surviving occupant who had travelled in the back of the pickup during the Kamukunji journey.
"As the sole survivor of those who rode in the back of that historic pickup into the eye of the storm, I feel the weight of his departure deeply," he said.
The governor extended his condolences to Kago's family, friends and colleagues, describing him as a patriot who made sacrifices for the country's freedoms.
"We have lost a patriot who stood in the spotlight of danger so that Kenyans could breathe the air of freedom," Orengo said.
He also pledged to continue pursuing the ideals that he said Kago believed in.
"Mzee Kago wished for nothing less than a completely liberated, fair Kenya. I promise him, and I promise you, that I will continue to fight for Kenyans to the bitter end," Orengo said.
