Siaya Governor James Orengo created quite a scene at Opoda Farm when a Kamba elder presented him with a walking stick.
This event took place during the visit of Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, who came to honor the family of Raila Odinga on Thursday, November 6, 2025. Accompanying Kalonzo was a delegation from the Kamba region, which included elders, Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti, and her counterpart from Makueni, Mutula Kilonzo Junior.
Kalonzo Musyoka called upon Siaya Governor James Orengo to step up to the podium and accept a walking stick, a representation of leadership and his enduring struggle for justice, a cause he shared with the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Upon receiving the walking stick from the Kamba Council of Elders, who recognized his long-standing involvement in politics since his university days, the elder remarked on his familiarity with Orengo from his activist days, which significantly influenced his political journey. The stick, crafted from a tree that holds great significance for the Kamba community, was given as a gesture of respect and acknowledgment.
After receiving the blessing along with the symbolic walking stick, Orengo joyfully took off in a playful run, exclaiming “Jowi! Jowi!” and causing everyone to burst into laughter as he showcased his new gift from the Akamba people. After a short while, he calmed down.
Blessing Raila Junior
The same event also featured Raila Junior, the son of the former prime minister, who was presented with instruments of power by Kalonzo Musyoka, signifying his responsibility in upholding his father’s legacy.
Kalonzo further explained that this gesture was intended to serve as a connection between the Kamba region, which had strongly supported Raila, and the Nyanza region, his traditional stronghold.
The instruments
Kalonzo initially presented Junior with a bow and arrows, which he stated were meant for protecting the territory left by his deceased father. Following this, Junior was instructed on how to shoot and was asked to perform a demonstration, marking the commencement of his new symbolic role.
He was also provided with a small stool, which he was directed to sit upon while holding the bow and arrow, symbolizing his responsibility to uphold his father’s legacy as the eldest and sole son. Additionally, he was given a shield, which signifies his duty as a guardian of his family and community.
In his previous address, Orengo commended the current status of the Wiper Party, stating that for Kenya to prosper, it requires robust parties such as the Wiper and ODM that cannot be dominated by the government.
“For a resilient Kenya to emerge, we require a strong Wiper, but we also need a formidable ODM that is not influenced by anyone in power, but rather governed by the laws of the land. I align with Ruth in urging that we should not extinguish political parties, and we as ODM must not repeat the mistakes of being consumed. KADU was consumed, PNU was consumed, DP was consumed, and Jubilee is on the verge of being consumed,” Orengo remarked.
