Siaya Senator Dr Oburu Oginga has urged Kenyans to register as voters, describing the voter’s card as the most powerful tool for transforming the country through democratic means.
Speaking at Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay during a memorial service for the late ODM party leader Raila Odinga, Oburu emphasised that meaningful change in Kenya can only be achieved through the ballot.
“Registering as voters is very crucial because you cannot change Kenya when you don’t have a vote. The vote is the only weapon, and the ballot is the only way to change this nation, the same democratic weapon my brother Raila Odinga stood for,” he said.
The memorial service was organized to give locals who missed the burial ceremony an opportunity to honour the late opposition leader with many remembering him as a leader who shaped the country’s democracy and devolution.
Other political figures present included Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, the National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed, Migori Governor Ochillo Ayacko and many other leaders from Homa Bay, Kisumu and Migori.
Oburu described Raila as a principled leader who remained steadfast in his beliefs and fought for democracy without fear or favour.
“When Raila believed in something, he pursued it to the end. When it came to matters of national interest, especially democracy, he was ready to die for it. He left us a message of unity, let us remain united in his party, ODM,” he said.
The Senator expressed gratitude to President William Ruto for his support during Raila’s illness and after his death.
“We talked to President Ruto and agreed that Raila needed to go abroad for treatment. The President quickly organized transport to take him there, and when he died, Ruto ensured that Raila’s body was brought back within a day in accordance with his will which stated that he should be buried within 72 hours after his death,” Dr Oburu said.
He appreciated that the government accorded Raila a state burial the first of its kind in the region since independence and thanked the President for honoring the late leader.
Dr Oburu also called on Kenyans to remain in the broad-based government and uphold democracy as the country awaits the 2027 General Election.
Governor Gladys Wanga remembered Raila as a statesman and a unifier, pledging ODM’s unity under Dr Oburu’s leadership.
“We will set aside personal ambitions and prioritize the unity of our party, our people, and our country. As ODM, we will remain in the broad-based government under the leadership of President Ruto, in line with what Baba agreed,” she affirmed.
The governor reiterated that in 2027, ODM will either form the government as a party or be part of the coalition that will form the next government of the Republic of Kenya.
Junet Mohamed on the other hand echoed these sentiments, reiterating ODM’s position in the broad-based government.
“ODM will never be in the opposition again,” he said. “Raila left us in government, and those who think ODM will walk away are mistaken, we are here all through to 2027.”
By Sitna Omar
