Leaders from 10 Kenyan political parties on Tuesday visited Mama Ida Odinga at her Nairobi residence to honour the life and political legacy of the late opposition leader Raila Amolo Odinga, in a meeting that brought together veterans of the country’s democratic struggle and emerging political actors.
The delegation was led by National Liberal Party (NLP) leader Augustus Muli and Progressive Party of Kenya (PPOK) chairman Evans Misati, who also chairs the Political Parties Liaison Committee (PPLC).
Muli told Mama Ida that the gathering was intended to celebrate Raila’s contribution to Kenya rather than dwell on his death.
“Baba died last year. The time for mourning is over. Today is for celebration,” Muli said.
Parties unite to honour Raila
The meeting brought together representatives from PPOK, NLP, NOPEU, Alliance for Change (ARCK), Kenya Patriotic Party (KPP), Ubuntu People Party (UPF), UDP, UPA, Labour Party of Kenya (LPK) and Prosperity (PGP).
The gathering provided an opportunity for political leaders from different parties to reflect on Raila’s decades-long political career and his role in Kenya’s struggle for democratic reform.
Several veterans recalled their experiences during the second liberation struggle, including periods of detention, exile and political persecution.
Dick Kamau of the Kenya Patriotic Party became emotional while recalling the role Mama Ida played in maintaining communication between political detainees, exiles and Raila during difficult periods.
“We remember writing letters and sending messages through you, Mama Ida, because we could not reach Baba directly,” Kamau said.
He described Ida as an important link between political activists and Raila during years when communication with detained or exiled leaders was difficult.
“You were the bridge that kept the struggle alive,” Kamau said, adding that her contribution should remain part of Kenya’s political history.
Focus shifts to 2027 election
The meeting also turned to Kenya’s political direction ahead of the 2027 General Election, with the participating parties calling for a shift away from ethnic mobilisation and personality-driven campaigns.
Misati, speaking on behalf of the parties, said political competition should focus on issues affecting households and communities, including employment, the cost of living, healthcare, education, agriculture and opportunities for young people.
“We reject politics of tribe, insults and slogans,” Misati said. “The Kenyan people deserve debates about their daily realities. They deserve leadership that gives them solutions.”
The parties also pledged to promote peaceful elections and respect democratic institutions during the electoral period.
“Elections come and go, but Kenya remains,” Misati said. “We will compete fiercely, but we will not destroy each other.”
He said the parties rejected political incitement, tribal hatred and violence, while stressing the need to respect the outcome of elections.
Raila’s legacy faces new test
In a joint statement, the parties said Raila’s political legacy should be measured through continued efforts to strengthen democracy, constitutionalism and national unity.
The leaders cautioned against reducing his legacy to campaign slogans or the repeated invocation of his name during election periods.
“Carrying his legacy cannot simply mean invoking his name during campaigns. It means doing the work,” the statement said, calling for stronger institutions and greater opportunities for young Kenyans.
The leaders said the responsibility now rests with a new generation of political actors to translate the principles associated with Raila into practical political action.
“Baba’s chapter has been written. But the story he helped shape continues,” the statement said.
The visit ended with prayers for the Odinga family and a group photograph with Mama Ida, as the political leaders reaffirmed their commitment to preserving Raila’s democratic ideals while charting their own path towards the 2027 election.
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Keywords: Raila Odinga legacy, Mama Ida Odinga, Kenya 2027 election, Kenyan political parties
