While Ruto allies in government declared support for his second term, opposition leaders vowed to remove him from power in 2027.
The rival camps used the memorial service at Migwena Cultural Grounds in Bondo, Siaya county, to stake out competing positions on the country’s political future.
Both sides at the highly charged meeting claimed to uphold the legacy of the former Prime Minister.
The political divisions spilled into the grounds, where rival chants, confrontations and running battles disrupted the commemorations. One man was critically injured after being stabbed in the chest.
The skirmishes erupted in different sections of the venue as thousands of mourners gathered to honour the late opposition leader.
The first signs of trouble emerged at a tent where leaders from the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and the United Opposition were seated, with supporters engaging in a push-and-pull confrontation.
The tension later spread to other sections, where groups of youths confronted one another, forcing some attendees to flee as rival chants filled the grounds.
The Odinga family, who were expected to sit in the same tent as political leaders, relocated to an opposite tent as tensions mounted. They were later escorted to the main dais.
Journalists covering the event were also caught up in the commotion, with some running for safety as confrontations broke out time and again.
The injured man was taken away by people he was with. The circumstances surrounding the stabbing remained unclear, and it was not immediately established whether any arrests had been made.
Despite the sporadic chaos, the memorial programme continued under heightened security, with speakers appealing for calm as political differences played out during the tributes.
Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi declared that Siaya would be at the forefront of Ruto’s re-election campaign, dismissing opposition efforts to unseat the President.
“Those who think they can defeat Ruto are in trouble,” Wandayi said, insisting that the region had settled on supporting the President for a second term.
Wandayi, who is among the ODM luminaries serving in Ruto’s administration, said the government had addressed development concerns in a region he claimed had suffered discrimination under previous administrations.
He urged residents to reject opposition leaders seeking to challenge the broad-based government arrangement, warning that they would not be allowed to mislead the community.
The CS also challenged former President Uhuru Kenyatta, saying the region knew what was best for it and was moving in one political direction.
His remarks drew a sharp contrast with those of Siaya Governor James Orengo, who declared that his Linda Mwananchi faction would unite with opposition leaders to defeat Ruto in the next election.
“We will remain united until Ruto is sent home,” Orengo said, adding that his team would form the next government.
Orengo questioned the political standing of leaders defending a second Ruto term, insisting that those who had worked alongside Raila in the struggle for political change could not abandon that cause.
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino said the faction drew its inspiration from Raila’s teachings on justice, accountability and service delivery, while ODM secretary-general Edwin Sifuna thanked residents for standing with him and other leaders.
Former presidential candidate Martha Karua said Raila had wanted Kenyans to enjoy their rights, live in unity and escape hunger, arguing that his vision remained unfinished.
Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, who led the United Opposition delegation, also insisted that the opposition’s political journey had not ended with Raila’s death.
“I confirm to the Luo community that the journey to Canaan is still on and we will reach there through prayers,” Kalonzo said.
The opposition delegation included Sifuna, Babu, Orengo and Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi.
The opposition leaders’ declarations contrasted with a message from ODM party leader Oburu Oginga, read by Kisii Governor Simba Arati, defending the party’s cooperation with Ruto’s administration.
Oburu, who turned 83 yesterday, said the broad-based government arrangement was a deliberate continuation of Raila’s political thinking.
He dismissed speculation about the party’s direction, assuring supporters that ODM’s strategy and political machinery remained active.
Oburu was absent after doctors reportedly advised him to observe strict bed rest and avoid public appearances as he recovered.
Arati urged party members to remain in ODM, warning against efforts to weaken the organisation from within.
“We will have a free and fair nomination, including the Nairobi Senator seat,” Arati said, addressing tensions surrounding the party’s internal contests.
He challenged Gachagua over claims concerning the 2022 presidential election, questioning why he had not installed Raila as president if he believed the opposition had won.
Arati also thanked Ruto for according Raila state honours, saying the President had demonstrated respect for the late opposition leader.
He insisted that ODM should not confuse its participation in government with abandoning its identity, declaring that the party intended to remain in power beyond 2027.
The competing speeches and clashes exposed the difficult choices facing ODM as its leaders split over cooperation with Ruto’s administration and efforts to rebuild the opposition ahead of the next election.
