Dark day as Nyanza mourns Raila

Tears, heartbreak, mourning and a sombre mood engulfed Nyanza as thousands of Nyanza residents turned up in the streets to mourn the death of veteran politician Raila Odinga.

It is a death that has shook the region to the core and robbed it of one of its most prominent sons. A man who has led the region for more than four decades and whose “oteku” (potency) struck the region like a venom.

Business came to a standstill as mourners in their droves jammed the streets of Kisumu, Homa Bay, Migori, Siaya, Bondo and nearly all the towns in the region.

While others mourned and shouted traditional didges, others blew horns as boda boda operators and motorists hooted. In Kisumu, several traders closed the businesses to mourn the passing of a hero.

While waving twigs and leaves, residents claimed his passing has left a huge gap in the community and is a dark day for the region.

Shocked relatives, friends and villagers flocked Raila's home in Opoda as other political leaders amid tears and agony.

Residents overwhelmed with grief, wailed as others sat sadly and in disbelief at the sudden demise whom most described as jovial and easy going.

Moses Owino, a Kisumu resident said his demise was a dark day for Nyanza, adding that his legacy will never be replaced.

“We have lost a great hero. It will never be the same again for Nyanza. He was the anchor of the Luo unity,” he said.

Gladys Awino, a trader mourned Raila as a fatherly figure and a statesman who prioritized the well-being of the country ahead of his personal interests.

“We cannot believe that he is gone. It is a sad day for us,” she said.

In Kisumu, residents matched along the major streets while waving pictures of his portrait and leaves to mourn the veteran politician.

Similarly in Bondo, businesses were all closed in a day of mourning that has left several people in the region dumbfounded.

Residents chanted his name and mourned him, describing his death as unfortunate and a dark day for the region.

In Migori County, residents came out in large numbers to mourn the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

Women, youths and the elderly wailed from Migori town as people gathered at Migori Posta ground to mourn the former Prime Minister.

The multitude of people turning up to mourn Raila along Migori - Rongo Highway caused a traffic snarl up in Migori town.

People carried twigs as women let out wails as loud as they could.

A few Migori County Assembly Members (MCAs) turned out in support of the mourning residents. Other people in solidarity stood along the highway while mourning.

Motorists plying along the highway had to put twigs at the front and back of their vehicles and boda-bodas to show that they were also mourning.

Evans Ogutu, a professional and business man in Migori County said the death of Raila has shocked them as a young generation.

"He was a pillar to many people and to me individually," Mr. Ogutu said.

According to Ogutu, Raila has left them without a clear direction but he is pleased with what he has left them with. 

He said that Raila has left them with the spirit to know and fight for their rights and how they can move the country forward.

Ogutu said they will not tire but continue with what Raila told them to do.

He said Raila brought democracy and that is what they shall also dive in.

Darlene Akinyi, a resident of Awendo town, said they are so much pained by the death of Raila Odinga.

"As the people of Luo Nyanza, we are mourning. I am so saddened by the death of Raila. He was our pillar and the leader we have known all this while," Ms. Akinyi said.

According to Akinyi, Raila fought for the rights of many people.

In Western, a region where Raila also commanded significant support, thousands of supporters burst into the streets of Kakamega, Vihigaz, Kitale and Busia towns to mourn his passing.

They described him as a hero who was integral to the country’s progress.

“Raila’s death is a major blow to us. He was the fatherly figure who helped guide the country forward and was the voice of reason in times of political strife,” said Charles Wekesa.

Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa described him as a towering leader and a fierce advocate of democracy.

“I extend my deepest condolence to his family, the ODM fraternity, and the people of Kenya,” said Barasa.

Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka said his unwavering commitment to democratic ideals and the empowerment of the Kenyan people will remain etched in the country’s national history.