Turkana: Hundreds of residents from Turkana County gathered on Friday evening to honor the late ODM party leader Raila Odinga, joining others across Kenya in the commemoration.
According to Kenya News Agency, the event was led by ODM county officials and included a procession from Lodwar town to Kanamkemer, spanning approximately four kilometers. Participants sang and danced to songs celebrating the former premier. ODM has been a significant political force in Turkana since 2013, even though the current governor, Jeremiah Lomorukai, who was elected on the ODM ticket, has since shifted allegiance to the ruling UDA party.
ODM County Chairman and Turkana North Member of Parliament, Ekuwom Nabuin, was accompanied by his deputy, Abraham Losinyen, party secretary Ali Lokiru, and other leaders in a candle-lighting ceremony at Kanamkemer. Nabuin, who is eyeing the gubernatorial seat, praised Raila Odinga for his role in the devolution of government, which he said greatly benefited Turkana after years of marginalization.
Nabuin highlighted his contributions as the first County Executive for Finance and criticized the current administration for poor service delivery and delayed staff payments. He promised to address security issues without relying on ineffective boardroom meetings if elected.
Since devolution began in 2013, Turkana County has received Sh138 billion from the National Treasury, ranking second after Nairobi in terms of equitable share.
During the same event, ODM Vice Chairman Abraham Losinyen praised Odinga as a fearless defender of human rights and pledged to emulate his legacy. Losinyen, who is running for the Turkana Central parliamentary seat, promised free primary and secondary education and to advocate for the rights of the underprivileged.
Ali Lokiru, ODM county secretary and former Turkana East MP, lauded Odinga’s legacy and his support for devolution, noting that he played a crucial role in establishing the county’s six constituencies. ODM women league member Margaret Ariariam remembered Odinga as a staunch advocate for women’s rights.
