Kibwezi West Member of Parliament Mwengi Mutuse has likened the former Prime Minister Raila Odinga to the late South African towering figure Nelson Mandela, calling him “Africa’s modern-day Mandela” and praising his decades-long contribution to democracy and peace in Kenya and across the continent.
Speaking at a political gathering in Rongo, Migori County, on Sunday, July 13, 2025, Mutuse recalled key moments in Raila’s political journey that, in his view, mirror Mandela’s legacy of sacrifice, reconciliation, and nation-building.
“When the Moi government was in trouble,” said Mutuse, “Raila Odinga said Kenya is bigger than any leader. He lowered his party’s flag and joined President Moi to help steady the country.”
Mutuse also highlighted Raila’s famous 2002 decision to back Mwai Kibaki for president.
“It took Raila to say ‘Kibaki Tosha’ for Kibaki to become president,” he added.
He went on to declare before a cheering crowd.
“Raila is more than a national leader. He is playing in the same league as Kofi Annan. Raila is the new Mandela of Africa.”
Mixed reactions emerge nationwide
The comparison comes amid renewed debate about Raila’s recent move to cooperate with President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza government, an action that has divided opinion within his Azimio la Umoja coalition.
Several leaders have strongly criticised the decision, saying they are “shocked” by Raila’s move. Among them, Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has said that the opposition should not have stepped in to rescue a struggling government.
“When the government got into problems with Gachagua and others, we in the opposition were waiting for them to fail and collapse so we could take over,” he said.
“But Raila went in to help Ruto. That is not how opposition works.”
Despite the criticism, Raila has maintained his commitment to dialogue and national unity. During an event in Bomet, he urged the government to stop dismissing the Gen Z protestors and instead listen to their genuine concerns.
“These young people are not mad. They are our children,” Raila said, calling for an inclusive national dialogue that gives youth and marginalised groups a seat at the table.
Kenneth Mwenda
Kenneth Mwenda is a digital writer with over five years of experience. He graduated in February 2022 with a Bachelor of Commerce in Finance from The Co-operative University of Kenya. He has written news and feature stories for platforms such as Construction Review Online, Sports Brief, Briefly News, and Criptonizando. In 2023, he completed a course in Digital Investigation Techniques with AFP. He joined K24 Digital in May 2025. For inquiries, he can be reached at [email protected].
