Oscar Sudi Pays Tribute to Raila Odinga, Hailing Him as a Pillar of Peace and Unity
The Kapseret member of parliament also disclosed that despite the politically charged atmosphere at the time, he himself arranged at least four phone calls between Raila Odinga and then-presidential candidate William Ruto.
Sudi praised Raila for remaining calm and reflective, claiming that one of his biggest strengths was that he had the ability to reflect, think things over, and retreat sometimes for national peace.
By Juliet Jerotich
Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi has made an emotional eulogy to the late ex-PM Raila Odinga, terming him a man of great respect, wisdom, and patience — a father figure, leader, and friend to all Kenyans. According to Sudi, Raila’s lasting legacy of humility and inclusivity set him apart as a statesman who placed premium value on relationships and accorded all people equal respect, irrespective of their social status, age, or political leaning.
Talking while he reflected on the late opposition leader’s enormous contribution towards Kenya’s democracy, Sudi added that during the anxiety-ridden 2022 general elections, he kept talking to Raila through a series of telephone calls. He revealed that the two agreed to honor each other in case things did not favor them, and cooperate in fostering peace and harmony in the nation, whether he or any other person who won at the ballot box.
The Kapseret member of parliament also disclosed that despite the politically charged atmosphere at the time, he himself arranged at least four phone calls between Raila Odinga and then-presidential candidate William Ruto. Sudi explained that those calls helped build trust between the two leaders, showing that there existed a genuine desire for the well-being of the nation under the politics.
Addressing speculation that he was behind the recent reconciliation between President William Ruto and Raila Odinga during the Gen Z protests — a move that led to the formation of today’s extensive government — Sudi admitted he indeed had a role but explained that it was not his individual work but part of a convergence by several like-minded patriotic players who were bent on bringing peace, unity, and stability in the nation.
Sudi praised Raila for remaining calm and reflective, claiming that one of his biggest strengths was that he had the ability to reflect, think things over, and retreat sometimes for national peace. He emphasized that Raila’s political life rested on altruism in that he always placed Kenya’s wealth and cohesion ahead of ambition. By Sudi, Raila’s willingness to collaborate with his political rivals illustrated his rare commitment to compromise and negotiations — political values leaders in Kenya today and tomorrow need to embody.
In a show of solidarity and mourning, Sudi also announced that massive digital screens have been mounted in various locations around Eldoret to allow the residents and other Kenyans within the region to watch the memorial session and pay their last respects to the fallen leader. He further noted that this celebration will witness Raila’s supporters and admirers from across the nation unite and mark his life and accomplishments as one, returning home with the message of oneness and unity that the late statesman struggled his whole life.
Sudi concluded by remarking that Kenya is not just losing a politician, but a peace and unity symbol whose legacy will forever determine the nation for decades to come.
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