Siaya County Governor James Orengo has commended the people of Tanzania for honoring Kenya’s former Prime Minister, the late Raila Odinga, as the nation faces a post-election crisis.
Prior to his passing on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, Raila Odinga was well-known for prioritizing the interests of his country over personal ambitions in such challenging times.
Orengo stands in solidarity
In the midst of the turmoil, Orengo has opted to express his solidarity with the Tanzanian people as protests continue. The governor of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has also urged regional leaders to reflect on their leadership roles.
“I wish to convey my solidarity with and support for the courageous men and women of Tanzania. Leaders in East Africa must engage in self-reflection. It is heartening to see portraits of Raila Odinga being displayed prominently in Dar es Salaam, recognizing his progressive vision in contrast to a status quo leader. The people of Tanzania will prevail,” Orengo stated on X on Saturday, November 1, 2025.
Suluhu declared President
Orengo’s remarks follow the announcement made by Tanzania’s electoral commission on Saturday, November 1, 2025, declaring that President Samia Suluhu Hassan had secured victory with nearly 98% of the votes in an election that has sparked violent protests throughout the nation this week.
This outcome grants Hassan, who assumed office in 2021 following the death of her predecessor, a five-year mandate to lead the East African nation of 68 million inhabitants.
Protests began on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, in response to the presidential and parliamentary elections, with some protesters dismantling banners of Hassan and igniting fires at government facilities, while police responded with teargas and gunfire, as reported by witnesses.
The demonstrators are expressing their outrage over the electoral commission’s decision to exclude Hassan’s two primary opponents from the election and what they characterize as extensive repression.
In the meantime, the Platform for African Democrats (PAD) has voiced significant concern regarding the safety and welfare of Tanzanian opposition figures Tundu Lissu and John Heche, urging for their immediate and unconditional release.
PAD denounces opposition detention
In a statement released on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, PAD denounced what it described as Tanzania’s continuous suppression of democratic voices in advance of the nation’s general elections, which are set for Wednesday, October 29, 2025. On October 22, 2025, John Heche, the Deputy Chairman of CHADEMA, Tanzania’s main opposition party, was reportedly arrested.
His condition and whereabouts are still unknown. PAD expressed concern over his disappearance, claiming that it suggests Tanzanian authorities may have mistreated him and denied him due process.
