Raila’s passing remains a mystery, says Orengo

ODM Deputy Party Leader Godfrey Osotsi (left), Nairobi senator Edwin Sifuna, Siaya governor James Orengo and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino address a press conference on February 12, 2026/DOUGLAS OKIDDY

Siaya Governor James Orengo has called for a full account of the circumstances surrounding the death of veteran opposition leader Raila Odinga, claiming unanswered questions continue to linger and must one day be resolved.

Orengo said the passing of the longtime political figure remains a mystery to many of his supporters and Kenyans at large, and urged that the truth be established through an objective process.

“I want to say without fear of contradiction, the death of Raila Odinga, which is still a mystery to a lot of us, those who bear responsibility for the death of Raila, are out there, and they are silent about it,” Orengo said.

He added that uncovering the circumstances surrounding the death should remain a key objective for those who believe in justice and accountability.

“I hope that one day we will determine the circumstances in which Raila passed away. And that must be an objective that we must achieve,” he stated.

Orengo drew parallels with remarks he made years earlier during the funeral of Kenya’s first Vice President, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, Raila’s father.

At the time, Orengo said he told mourners, in the presence of then-President Daniel Arap Moi, that Jaramogi’s death raised serious concerns.

“I said at the funeral of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga that they killed Jaramogi. I said it in the presence of President Daniel Arap Moi,” Orengo recalled.

The governor said that just as the legacy of Jaramogi endured long after his passing, Raila’s influence and ideals would continue to shape the country’s political and social landscape.

“In saying that they killed Jaramogi, I also said that the spirit of Jaramogi would live on. Today I can say the spirit of Raila lives on,” he said.

Orengo was addressing the press in Nairobi on Thursday alongside ousted ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna.

Several other leaders from the party, including Vihiga Senator Godfre Osotsi, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, Caleb Amisi (Saboti) and Winnie Odinga, also attended.

Sifuna was kicked out of the party on Wednesday by the National Executive Council (NEC) following a meeting held in Mombasa.

In his address, Sifuna, the Nairobi Senator, maintained that he remains the party’s validly elected official, describing the decision as illegal and criticising the process leading to his ouster.

“I was not given a chance to defend myself,” he said, asserting that the NEC’s action violated party procedures.

Sifuna maintained that he remains committed to ODM and its founding ideals, vowing to continue defending the party.

“Whatever actions I take, I will do so knowing that I have never let down my leader, Raila. We shall fight for ODM; surrender is not an option for us. I remain a loyal member and the duly elected Secretary General of ODM,” he said.