Former Attorney General and Democratic Party of Kenya leader Justin Muturi has described Bondo as a significant centre in Kenya's political history. He made the remarks after attending Sunday service at St Michael and All Angels ACK Cathedral before engaging with residents of Bondo, the home of the late Raila Odinga and his father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga. Muturi noted that Bondo's political significance extends beyond being the home of the Odinga family.
Muturi said Bondo is a place where political history and the experiences of its people are closely intertwined. He stated that there are places in Kenya where politics is not merely discussed, it is woven into the history of the people, and Bondo is one of them. According to Muturi, Jaramogi helped establish a political tradition that challenged the status quo, while Raila carried forward a decades-long struggle for political reform.
Muturi highlighted Raila's significant role in Kenya's political development, with his career spanning the campaign for political pluralism, the making of the 2010 Constitution, his tenure as Prime Minister, and several presidential contests. He noted that Raila was never a peripheral figure in Kenya's politics, adding that his political journey was deeply intertwined with the evolution of the Republic.
Muturi's visit to Bondo comes ahead of October 15, when the country will mark one year since Raila's death. He said the anniversary should provide an opportunity to reflect on Raila's contribution to Kenya's political history and the ideals he advocated during his political career. Muturi emphasized that being in Bondo carries particular significance as the country approaches the anniversary.
Muturi noted that Raila's influence extended beyond his traditional political base and said his death had left a significant space in Kenya's political landscape. He added that the discussion on Raila's legacy should focus on the kind of country he advocated for, including a democratic, just, united, and equitable Kenya.
Muturi said that from Bondo, the conversation on the Kenya that Raila spent his political life advocating for should continue. He emphasized that this conversation belongs to all Kenyans, as they strive to build a nation that Raila envisioned. Muturi's remarks underscore the significance of Bondo and Raila's legacy in shaping Kenya's political history.
As the country prepares to mark one year since Raila's death, Muturi's visit to Bondo serves as a reminder of the impact Raila had on Kenya's politics. The anniversary is expected to provide an opportunity for Kenyans to reflect on Raila's contributions and legacy, and to continue advocating for the ideals he stood for.
Key points
- Justin Muturi describes Bondo as a significant centre in Kenya's political history.
- Muturi highlights Raila Odinga's significant role in Kenya's political development.
- The country will mark one year since Raila Odinga's death on October 15.
