- The country went into mourning after former Prime Minister Raila Odinga was announced dead in India
- Kenyans, including city lawyer Danstan Omari and his colleagues, mourned Raila, reflecting on his central role in shaping the country’s political landscape.
- Speaking to TUKO.co.ke, Omari recalled when ODM leader Raila Odinga saved him and former Internal Security Minister Fred Matiang’i from arrest
A lawyer Danstan Omari has joined other Kenyans in mourning the death of former prime minister Raila Odinga.
Source: Original
Speaking at the Milimani Court on Wednesday, October 15, Omari and his colleagues, Shadrack Wambui and Collins Odhiambo Ario, gathered to mourn Raila.
The three lawyers expressed deep sorrow and shared emotional tributes, reflecting on the times they shared with the late former Prime Minister.
Did Raila save Danstan Omari from being arrested?
Omari recalled his personal encounters with Raila, describing him as brave, honest and compassionate.
He recounted how Raila contacted him in 2022, called him to Orange House and appointed him as the lead counsel for any ODM members arrested during the protest.
“You are running a dangerous business, dangerous in the sense that the government can be very oppressive,” Raila warned him of the dangers ahead.
Omari assured him that he was ready for the challenge. He later represented several prominent leaders, including Energy Minister Opiyo Wandayi, ODM Secretary General Edwin SifunaSenator Madzayo, Member of Parliament for Embakasi East Babu Owino, and many other supporters who were arrested during the protest.
Omari said that despite threats and threats, they remained steadfast.
“Baba believed in us. We did that work all over Nairobi, Kisumu, Mombasa and other counties,” Omar said.
He then recounted one of the scariest moments in his legal career involving former Home Affairs Minister Fred Matiang’i.
He said that one evening, while he was drinking tea at the United Club, Matiang’i called him sad, saying that the DCI was about to arrest him. Matiang’i asked him to talk to Baba, because he was the only one who could save him.
Omari immediately called Raila, who instructed him to go to Karen.
When he arrived around 9:30 in the afternoon, Raila was ready. Omari informed the media which reported the events directly.
He said when the DCI officers and their Subarus arrived and saw Raila there, they turned back without being arrested.
Later, a summons was issued against Matiang’i, which prompted Raila to order Omari to post an anticipatory bond that same night. T
the court issued the order, preventing the arrest of Matiang’i. However, when the DCI was given the order, Omari himself was suspected.
“I was called to record a statement with the intention of being charged with Matiang’i,” Omar said.
He immediately informed Raila, who advised him to seek bail. After appearing before the DCI, the case was referred to the former Director of Public Prosecutions, Noordin Haji, who decided that neither Matiang’i nor Omari should be charged.
Omari revealed that Raila Odinga later he called a large meeting in Jevanjee garden, publicly warning the DCI not to interfere with him.
“Dad became my defender when I was his defender. That is the man who died, the man who believed in friendship and stood by you even when things were difficult,” Omar finished.
Lawyer Shadrack Wambui mourns Raila
Wambui also spoke during the session, expressing deep sorrow over Raila’s death.
“We are saddened by his death. We hope the youth of this country will continue to live the spirit of Raila Amolo Odinga, fight for human rights and basic freedom,” he said.
Wambui urged the youth to follow the courage and commitment of Raila, saying the meaning of life often comes from ‘risking life to help others.
He also sent a message of comfort to Mama Ida Odinga.
“Cheer up, Mama Ida. The man you called your husband is the one we respected,” he said.
Lawyer Ario also paid tribute to the late leader, remembering Raila’s compassion and dedication.
Ario recalled an earlier incident where Raila apologized to the people of Migori after the death of Dalmas Otieno, saying that Raila joked that “their book is open.”
The lawyer urged Kenyans to be calm and emulate Raila’s legacy of peace and justice.
“Even at this time, we must stand on the side of peace,” he said. “Raila sacrificed everything, even the presidency, for unity,” Omar said.
He called on the residents of Nyanza to mourn in peace and stand with Ida and the family.
“We know it’s difficult, but we honor him in peace. He was a hero, and his legacy will continue,” he said.
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Source: TUKO.co.ke
