Oparanya to write book in honour Raila Odinga
Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary (CS) Wycliffe Ambetsa Oparanya is one of the many politicians hit hard by the death of the former premier, Raila Odinga.
Speaking during his visit to Odinga’s grave on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, he revealed that for the past 25 years, he has earned a salary and built his political career courtesy of Raila.
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“From 2000 to date, it’s 25 years. He has also been his party leader for 13 years, and he was not only my party leader but also my dear friend, and that’s why he created a wing at his home for Raila upon his request.”
“Raila would comfortably rest in that room when he tours the Western region. One of these days, I would write a book on my relationship with Raila,” Oparanya said.
Similar sentiments were echoed by National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, who said he would include a whole chapter in his book detailing the journey he walked with Raila for people to read.
Wetangula confirmed that he had forwarded Hansard records of all the contributions made by Raila in parliament to enrich his museum.
The Hansard compilation covers Raila Odinga’s extensive parliamentary career, from his early days as a Member of Parliament to his role as Kenya’s second Prime Minister (2008–2013).
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It features his debates, motions, bills, petitions, and his historic “Prime Minister’s Question Time”, reflecting his decades of advocacy for democracy, justice, and equality.
“I did give to the family the Hansard record of all his (Raila’s) contributions in parliament, and this would enrich the mausoleum of Raila Odinga,” Wetangula added.
Wetangula, at the same time, revisited his political journey with Raila while under the CORD and NASA coalitions, respectively.
“We mourn a great leader who made many compromises for the sake of peace, unity and security of this country,” Wetangula said.
“In 2013-2017, we ran in the same coalition, CORD and NASA, respectively, with this energetic, dynamic doyen of Kenyan politics and want to tell Kenyans that it will take generations to breed and nurture a leader like him.”
“I want all to wish Baba a comfortable stay away from the bustle and hustle of political life and a peaceful rest in the place we are headed.
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“As for colleagues in the political arena, we are always quick to judge and conclude. The lesson we can learn from Raila is that in politics, we don’t have permanent enemies but sustainable interests and, above all, patriotism for our country.”
“If we all can embrace this, Kenya will be a richer country and a better nation,” he added.
Orengo
Governor James Orengo lauded Kenyans and Africans for their sheer love for Raila, as was demonstrated since the sad news of his death struck.
“One of the things Raila fought for is external vigilance; Raila never entertained any breach of the people’s rights. He fought his entire life to bring the democracy we are experiencing and, more particularly, the 2010 constitution,” he said.
“His works speak for themselves, speak volumes, and Raila is an idea that will always be.”
