West Pokot man treks long distance just to buy newspaper on Raila’s death
By K24 Digital Reporter, October 17, 2025Residents of West Pokot County continue to mourn the death of former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga, describing him as a national icon who fought tirelessly for justice, democracy, and unity.
The sorrow has been seen across major towns in West Pokot County, including Kapenguria, Sigor, Kachaliba, Makutano, Chepareria, and Alale, where flags fly at half-mast while conversations are dominated by memories of the fallen leader.
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According to Tsan Wawee, a resident of Talau in Kapenguria Constituency, the news of Raila’s passing struck him deeply.
“I even walked a long distance from my home to Makutano town to buy a newspaper containing Raila’s picture and tribute writings so that I could keep it as a memory of the late hero,” he said.
For Wawee, keeping the newspaper is more than a gesture; it is a symbol of respect for a man he believes changed the course of Kenyan politics.
He recalled that Raila had stood up for marginalised groups like the Pokot community during the late President Daniel arap Moi’s regime, particularly in 1984 when the government launched a military operation to seize illegal firearms.
“Many Pokot were beaten and mistreated by the government, but Raila stood firm against the oppression of minority groups and advocated for an end to tribalism in the country,” Wawee added.
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Many locals say Raila’s courage and consistency in fighting for justice earned him admiration even among those who did not always share his political views.
His message of equality and empowerment resonated strongly in remote counties like West Pokot, where people often felt forgotten by the government.
Daniel Loshangura, another resident, said Raila’s push for multiparty democracy and devolution helped transform Kenya’s governance structure.
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“Raila fought for a Kenya where every region would get its fair share of development and where counties could run their own affairs,” he said.
He added that Raila’s generosity and respect for culture extended beyond politics.
“He supported African-initiated churches, protected traditional values, and contributed financially to the Mafuta Pole Church of Africa in Sook Ward, Kapenguria Constituency,” Loshangura said, describing him as a leader who understood the people’s struggles both spiritually and socially.