Kilifi

Coast Leaders Unite to Honor Raila Odinga’s Legacy at Kikambala Memorial

By Feddy Madebe

KIKAMBALA, KILIFI COUNTY — Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Sharrif Nassir joined political leaders from Kenya’s coastal region Thursday in a solemn tribute commemorating the legacy of the late Raila Odinga, the founding leader of the Orange Democratic Movement.

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The gathering, organized by former Mombasa Governor Hassan Ali Joho in Kikambala, Kilifi County, brought together coastal region politicians and community leaders to reflect on Odinga’s contributions to Kenya’s political landscape.

Governor Nassir characterized the event as extending beyond simple remembrance, describing it as a renewed commitment to the principles that shaped the opposition movement under Odinga’s leadership.

Reaffirming Core Values

“This was more than a remembrance—it was a reaffirmation of the values that built our movement: courage, sacrifice, social justice, and an unwavering belief in the power of the people,” Nassir stated following the ceremony.

The Mombasa county chief emphasized that Odinga’s influence continues to guide political actors in the region, particularly regarding commitments to devolved governance structures and democratic advancement.

“Baba’s legacy lives on in our collective resolve to defend devolution, deepen democracy, and pursue a more just and inclusive Kenya,” the governor remarked, using the honorific title commonly associated with the late political veteran.

Coastal Unity Emphasized

Nassir underscored regional solidarity in preserving Odinga’s political vision, noting that coastal leaders remain aligned in their dedication to the ideals championed by the former Prime Minister throughout his decades-long political career.

“The Coast remains united, grateful, and steadfast in carrying forward the ideals he stood for,” the governor declared.

The Coastal Salute event represents one of several memorial activities held across Kenya following Odinga’s passing, with political allies and supporters organizing gatherings to celebrate his life and political achievements.

Odinga’s political journey spanned more than four decades, during which he contested five presidential elections and served as Kenya’s Prime Minister from 2008 to 2013 under a coalition government arrangement.

His advocacy for constitutional reform, devolution, and social justice left an indelible mark on Kenya’s political evolution, particularly in regions like the Coast that consistently supported his presidential ambitions.

The Kikambala gathering signals continued political cohesion among coastal leaders as Kenya approaches the 2027 general election, with many seeking to maintain the regional bloc that historically backed Odinga’s political movements.

Hassan Ali Joho, who organized the tribute, served as Mombasa Governor from 2013 to 2022 and remains an influential figure in coastal politics, currently serving as Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs.

The memorial service included speeches from various coastal political figures, prayers, and reflections on Odinga’s impact on devolution—a governance structure that has significantly benefited coastal counties since its implementation in 2013.