Nairobi County Assembly MCAs have praised former Prime Minister Raila Odinga in a session overseen by Speaker Ken Okeyo Ng’ondi.
The Ward Representatives pointed to Raila’s enormous legacy and consistent contribution to the nation’s political sphere. Speaker Ken Ng’ondi headed the commendations, characterizing Raila as a humble and zealous leader who wished well for everyone.
He shared with the Chamber his personal experience with Raila, recalling how he modestly took President William Ruto to his rural abode in a landmark occasion still clearly remembered by his relatives.
“His heritage is imprinted into the base of this Assembly. He was our neighbor, our guide, our Jakom. His presence was constant in our political setting. He instructed us that politics is not a profession for the timid, but a strong and honorable competition of thoughts for the nation’s spirit,” Ng’ondi told the plenary.
Nairobi County Assembly Majority Leader Peter Imwatok lauded Raila as an enduring, brave proponent of harmony who ascended from hardship to eminence and governed with certainty despite belonging to a minority group.
“I am present today because Raila trusted in me when no one else did. He perceived leadership in a youthful Teso from Makongeni—something many deemed unattainable in Nairobi politics. Through his support and direction, I was elected MCA in 2013, again in 2017, and in 2022 under ODM,” Imwatok stated.
“To cap it all, he made sure I served as the initial PAC Chair in the first Assembly, Minority Whip in the second Assembly, and today as Majority Leader. When the world doubted my ability, Baba stated, ‘Yes, he is capable.’ I exist because he was present.”
“When Baba championed a cause, he pursued it until the conclusion. No measure of harassment, nor teargas, police severity, nor confinement without trial could quieten him. He remained steadfast, always moved by conviction and fondness for his nation,” the Majority Leader added.
“The avenues of Nairobi and the remainder of Kenya will eternally resonate with his valor and fortitude. Yet Baba was also a man of tranquility. Whenever he sensed the country balancing on the edge, he would draw back for the sake of accord and stability.”
On October 16, the Senate held a Special Gathering to honor Raila, who passed away while undergoing care in India on October 15.
Senators observed that Raila served as the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kenya between 2008 and 2013 and previously held various senior posts in the government including Cabinet Minister for Energy, Roads, Public Works and Housing and as a long-serving MP for Lang’ata Constituency serving four successive terms from 1992 to 2013.
