Former Cabinet Secretary and presidential hopeful Fred Matiang'i has challenged Nyanza region leaders to remain united in honour of the former Prime Minister Raila Odinga's legacy.
Speaking in Homa Bay County on Tuesday, October 21, Matiang'i praised Raila, terming him a father figure who treated everyone equally, regardless of their tribe and region.
The CS went ahead to express his commitment to helping the region remain united, insisting that Nyanza's long-lasting harmony was one of Odinga's greatest wishes.
"I know, and it's good to say this here, Raila had a way of keeping people together. He had a way of consulting people. All of us, whether you are from Kisii, Nyamira, Kisumu or Homa Bay," Matiang'i said.
"He considered us his children and put us together as a family. It is now the time to pay tribute to him by remaining together as a family, because that is what he wanted," he added.
In his speech, Matiang'i recalled his close association with Raila in the aftermath of his handshake with former President Uhuru Kenyatta, with the former CS narrating how he often consulted Odinga on several issues.
He also emphasised Odinga's deep-rooted ties in Kisii and Nyamira, stating that the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader had several allies in the two counties.
"At the privilege of working closely with Raila after his handshake with Uhuru Kenyatta. All the time, even after we left the government, we used to consult him on several issues," the former CS revealed.
During the church event, Matiang'i challenged the congregants, who were mostly Homa Bay residents, to respect and support their local leaders as a continuation of Odinga's legacy.
Matiang'i's call for unity in the Nyanza region comes amidst rumours of cracks within the ODM party, mainly stemming from divergent political opinions and differing visions.
The divisions are mainly on the uncertainty over the party's future and its alignment with President William Ruto's broad-based administration.
However, President Ruto, who spoke on Sunday, October 19, during Odinga's burial, vowed to protect the ODM party from what he described as attempts by unnamed individuals to hijack it for opposition politics.
"In respect of our legend, I will not allow certain individuals to take over the party and engage in opposition politics. I will do everything possible to ensure the party remains united," Ruto said.
