On Monday, October 20, national newspapers reported in detail about the funeral of the late leader of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), Raila Amollo Odinga, held in Bondo, Siaya county.
Source: UGC
The newspapers also reported on the emerging division within the ODM party regarding the President’s bid William Ruto to run again for the presidency in 2027
1. Daily Nation
The newspaper reported on the rift emerging within the ODM party regarding the 2027 Election following the death of former Prime Minister Raila Amollo Odinga.
During Raila’s funeral on Sunday, October 19, senior officials of the ODM party publicly differed on the party’s position on supporting President William Ruto in his bid for re-election in 2027.
A group led by the Governor Gladys Wanga announced its support for an integrated government.
“We have continued to follow Raila. The last instructions he left us were to work with you (Ruto) under an integrated government,” said Wanga.
On his part, ODM Secretary General, Edwin Sifunaemphasized Raila’s last words about the 2027 election, saying the party has not made any decision to support Ruto.
“We have not passed any resolution as a party to say how we will enter the 2027 elections. Therefore, wherever you are, do not allow the party to focus on things that have not been discussed. Let those things be discussed first. We are ODM, who told you that ODM will not have a candidate in 2027? First think as ODM, we have a clear plan that we have agreed on; other decisions will be taken at the right time,” Sifuna explained, quoting Raila’s last words.
2. The Star
This newspaper highlighted President William Ruto’s emotional speech when honoring the late Raila Odinga at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST), Bondo.
In his speech, Ruto revealed how the former prime minister struggled with health problems a few days before he died in India.
The President said he became worried after realizing that Raila was weak when he met him several times.
“The last one and a half months was a very difficult period. Every time I met Father, his voice was dry. He was telling me that he was tired because of the drugs he was taking, and I started to worry,” Ruto recalled.
The country’s leader revealed that Raila had visited Dubai and the United States to seek medical treatment.
“He had gone to Dubai and the United States, and the doctors told him some things about his health. When he came back, his doctors gave him more medicine,” said the president.
Ruto recounted that he visited Raila Karen’s home, where he and his family, including Mama Ida Odinga, agreed to transport Raila to India for treatment at the government’s expense.
“First he thought of going to Germany and China before deciding on India, where he has friends. We facilitated everything the former prime minister wanted,” explained Ruto.
Despite his efforts to ensure that Raila gets the best treatment, Ruto said he was very sad when he received a message from Oburu Oginga about Raila’s poor health.
“When I was on my way to the office (October 15), I received a message from Oburu (Odinga) saying that Raila was not well. I was surprised because he said he was feeling well. I made several calls, and a few minutes later Oburu called me again and said, ‘It seems Baba has left us.’ It was a few minutes after one in the morning,” Ruto narrated.
3. The Standard
This newspaper extensively reported the speech of the Kenyan Representative in the East African Parliament (EALA), Winnie Odinga.
While paying tribute to her father, Winnie hinted that she might enter local politics to fill the gap left by the former prime minister.
In her speech, Winnie thanked the president for giving her father national honors and a lavish burial with military honors.
In her last words, Winnie told the president that she was ready to “return home,” a sign that she could officially join Kenyan politics soon.
“Mr. President, our people thank you for honoring our father. Thank you for standing with us. I also want you to know, if you are wondering, I am ready to go home,” Winnie said as mourners cheered.
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