By Special Correspondent
Journalists from the Nyanza region have paid glowing tribute to the former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, describing him as the community’s true North.
They also termed Raila as the father and protector of media freedom in Kenya.
The journalists said Raila deeply understood the media working environment and was never personal with journalists despite instances of negative reports, but instead treated them as his children.
In a statement to newsrooms, the journalists, under their umbrella body Jofuambo, described Raila as a towering figure whose legacy transcended politics and defined the struggle for democracy, justice, and media freedom in Kenya.
Jofuambo is a Luo word for journalists.
The group has more than 500 members scattered across different media outlets in the country and beyond.
National Chairman Festus Amimo said the passing on of Raila will be heavily felt by the community, the country, and the continent at large.
In a heartfelt statement, Amimo paid glowing tribute to the late ODM leader, recalling his unmatched courage, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to defending human rights and the free press.
“We have lost not just a statesman but a father figure who inspired generations to speak truth to power,” Amimo said.
“Raila stood firm for press freedom even when it was inconvenient. His belief in an informed citizenry and an independent media remains a guiding light to our profession.”
The scribes, who hail from Raila’s Nyanza backyard, said his passing left a deep emotional void and leadership vacuum that will be impossible to fill.
They recalled his frequent engagement with journalists, his openness to media scrutiny, and his advice to young reporters to uphold integrity and objectivity.
“As members of the media fraternity, we pay special tribute to his unmatched commitment to defending press freedom. He encouraged us to be bold, to question authority, and to defend the public interest without fear,” Amimo added.
The journalists expressed solidarity with Raila’s family and supporters across the country, saying his ideals of democracy, equity, and freedom must continue to guide the nation.
Veteran scribe Anderson Ojwang’ said Raila’s contribution to the growth of journalism in the country was second to none.
“Baba, you shaped the destiny for some of us. You made us a brand. In our growth in journalism, you impacted,” Ojwang’ said.
“You protected the freedom of the press. We shall miss your wisdom and breaking stories.”
According to Polite Ogolla, Raila exited the stage not as a politician but as an era.
“Raila was not just a name. He was a movement — walking proof that conviction can outlive power,” Ogolla stated.
Recalling his encounter with the late former Prime Minister, James Riaga said Raila had a special way with people, something that informed his huge crowds during campaigns.
“I had the privilege of covering Raila during my early days in the media, including during the 2005 referendum and the 2007 elections. He had a thing with the campaign crowds and many a time, even journalists got carried away in his elements,” Riaga told this publication.
“It will take years to have another Raila in Kenya. Maybe not.”
For Nick Okello Fololo, Baba was a towering monument of democracy and social justice.
“I mourn the Lion. A Lion can never die; he has returned to the mountaintops, with the footsteps reverberating loudly in our private and public views,” he said.
“Covering Raila Odinga as a journalist was an honour in the newsroom. It is through covering his events from 2016, while I worked as a correspondent in Homa Bay, that I discovered his shrewdness in politics and leadership,” added journalist Barack Oduor.
Raila, 80, passed away on Wednesday in India, sparking an outpouring of grief across the nation and beyond.
Residents from his Nyanza backyard will on Saturday have an opportunity to pay their last respects to their leader at Mamboleo ASK Grounds in Kisumu East Constituency.
The remains of the former Prime Minister will be interred next to his mother’s grave in Kang’o Kajaramogi, in line with his wish.
