Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i has urged leaders in Nyanza to preserve the spirit of unity that defined Raila Odinga’s political life.

Speaking during a church service in Homa Bay County over the weekend, Matiang’i reflected on his personal experiences with the late opposition leader, describing him as a peacemaker who “always knew how to bring people together.”

“I had the privilege of working with Baba after the handshake with former President Uhuru Kenyatta,” Matiang’i said. “Even after leaving government, we often consulted him. Raila had a quiet way of managing things—he reached out to people privately, listened, and solved issues before they escalated.”

Raila Odinga, who died on 15 October 2025 while receiving treatment in India, was buried four days later at his family home in Kang’o Ka Jaramogi, Bondo. His funeral drew national leaders across the political divide, including President William Ruto.

Matiang’i said Raila’s influence in Nyanza transcended ethnic or county lines.
“All of us—whether from Kisii, Nyamira, Homa Bay, or Kisumu—he treated as his children,” he said. “The best tribute we can pay him is to remain united as one family. That’s what he wanted.”

He recalled that Raila was deeply connected to the Gusii community, where he had close friends and homes he could freely visit. “He had places he could spend the night and share meals whenever he came to the region,” Matiang’i said. “This is why we must keep together as people of Nyanza.”

His remarks come at a time of growing uncertainty within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) following Raila’s death. Some leaders have pledged continued support for the broad-based government, while others insist the party will field its own presidential candidate in 2027.

Matiang’i urged residents to support all elected leaders—from governors to MCAs—in their work, saying it would honour Raila’s lifelong advocacy for devolution and good governance.

“Raila believed in strong institutions and service to the people,” he said. “Let’s keep that spirit alive by allowing our leaders to deliver.”

For decades, the larger Nyanza region stood firmly behind Raila Odinga through his five presidential bids, making him both a political symbol and a unifying figure in western Kenya.