By Erick Otieno
Migori, Kenya — Residents of Migori County woke up to a somber morning of grief and disbelief following reports of the demise of Kenya’s immediate former Prime Minister, Raila Amolo Odinga, who passed away while undergoing treatment at a hospital in India.
News of the ODM leader’s death spread rapidly across the region, drawing thousands of mourners from all walks of life into the streets of Migori town. Traders, youth groups, Bunge la Wananchi members, and families from informal settlements within the central business district converged to mourn the man they described as a selfless statesman and true patriot.
One of the mourners, Joseph Momanyi, could not hide his sorrow as he spoke about Odinga’s legacy.
“Raila was not just a Luo leader — he was a national figure who devoted his entire life to the liberation, unity, and development of this country,” said Momanyi. “We must honor his memory by remaining peaceful and united as one people.”
At Migori Posta Grounds, Macalder Kanyarwanda MCA Hon. Felix Okwanyo led a massive crowd of mourners in a solemn tribute to the fallen opposition icon. He praised Odinga’s decades of sacrifice in fighting for democracy and good governance in Kenya.
“The freedom and democracy we all enjoy today came through Raila Odinga’s struggles,” Okwanyo said. “He endured detention, humiliation, and persecution so that Kenya could be free. His courage and resilience shaped the political history of our nation.”
The vocal ward representative further appealed for calm and patience among Kenyans as the nation awaits official communication from both the ODM leadership and President William Ruto regarding funeral arrangements and national mourning plans.
“This is not the time for division or blame. Let us stay united and allow the leadership to guide the country through this difficult moment,” he urged.
Several residents who spoke to the press also called on President Ruto to continue fostering the spirit of unity and development that he had begun championing alongside the late Odinga.
“Raila and Ruto had started building bridges of unity and development. We urge the President to carry on with those plans in Raila’s honor,” said one mourner.
As the nation comes to terms with the loss of one of its most influential leaders, Migori — a region long regarded as the heartland of Odinga’s political base — remains deeply engulfed in mourning, reflecting a grief that resonates across Kenya and beyond.
