By Anderson Ojwang
On Saturday evening, there was an emotional return and reconnection for Linda Mwananchi brigades with the spirit of the former party leader of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and mentor, the late Raila Amolo Odinga, at Kango Ka Jaramogi in Bondo.
Six months after his burial, Raila’s militant wing of ODM paid homage at his graveside to draw inspiration for their new political dispensation.
After a successful rally in Vihiga County, Linda Mwananchi was at Kango Ka Jaramogi, Bondo. The home was thrown into a somber mood as the leaders and the residents broke down into tears.
Fresh and sad memories were evoked, and the reality of Raila’s absence became very prominent.
The teary and emotional moment saw some of the Linda Mwananchi brigades break down while others looked sad and disoriented by the reality of coming back to the graveside of Raila.
The historic move by Linda Mwananchi caught their opponents, Linda Ground, napping and could be a turning point in their power struggle.
Linda Ground is yet to pay homage to Raila’s graveside, and the move by their opponents caught them napping and left them punctured.
Linda Mwananchi is seen as Raila’s militant wing in the broad-based arrangement and his exit strategy from the broad-based arrangement with President William Ruto.
ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna said it was the first time in six months after Raila’s burial that he had made a return to Kango Ka Jaramogi to reconnect with his mentor.
“It is my first time coming back here since we buried my boss six months ago. It has been a difficult six months for all of us. I do not know what to say. I honestly miss my boss,” he said.
Linda Mwananchi was received by Councilor Omondi Odinga, who took them to the graveside and later to the mausoleum.
Siaya Governor James Orengo said they paid homage to Raila to reconnect and for spiritual inspiration.
“Today, I led the Linda Mwananchi Movement to Kang’o Ka Jaramogi to honor the giants who paved the way. I returned to the roots of the struggle to pay homage to my mentor, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, and my comrade, Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga,” he said.
Orengo said the visit was meant to seek blessings from Raila and the doyen of opposition politics, the late Jaramogi Oginga Odinga.
“Before we take the stage, we seek the blessings of our elders and the spirit of the revolution. The foundation is solid. The mission is clear. Kisumu, we are ready. See you tomorrow!” he wrote on his social media platforms.
Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi said Raila’s legacy was with Linda Mwananchi, and they will protect it at all cost.
“After our tour of Vihiga County, the Linda Mwananchi team made a visit to the gravesite of our leader, Raila Odinga, where we paid our respects and reflected on his enduring legacy of sacrifice, resilience and unwavering commitment to justice,” he said.
Osotsi said Raila’s struggle for a better Kenya was not in vain, and that is why they are sacrificing to ensure the struggle continues.
“We were reminded that Baba’s struggle has never been in vain, as it lives on in the hearts of millions of Kenyans who continue to believe in equity, democracy and the rule of law,” he said.
He said the homage was a moment of renewal and now they are ready to take the battle a notch higher.
“Our homage was also a moment of renewal of our collective resolve to carry forward the ideals he championed for decades. We also took time to tour the Jaramogi Mausoleum, a powerful symbol of the rich history and sacrifice of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga. As the Linda Mwananchi team, we draw strength from this lineage of courage and conviction and remain steadfast in our mission to stand with the people, defend their rights, and ensure that the vision of a just and inclusive Kenya is realized,” he said.
Currently, Orengo and Dr Oburu Oginga, the ODM party leader, are engrossed in a power struggle. Oburu was recently confirmed as the party leader by the Special Delegates Conference, while Orengo at a rally in Nakuru last week declared himself the party leader.
