Raila Odinga and iconic leaders' deaths leave Nyanza with deep leadership gaps

 Military officers give final honours during the burial of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga in Bondo. [File, Standard]

It was a dark year for Nyanza, with the loss of several prominent sons and daughters leaving a huge void in politics, public service, and other key sectors.

These were decorated individuals who excelled in various fields, serving as a source of pride for the region.

Among the giants lost this year alone were trailblazer Phoebe Asiyo, celebrated scholar Bethwel Ogot, former Rongo MP Dalmas Otieno, Justice Fred Ochieng, Roseline Odede, former Chairperson of the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), former Kisumu Town West MP Ken Nyagudi, influential radio journalist Festus Amimo, and the slain Kasipul MP Ong’ondo Were.

Yet it was the death of former ODM leader Raila Odinga on October 15, that left the region reeling. His passing devastated generations, created political uncertainty, and ushered in intense sibling rivalries.

More than two months after his burial at Kango Ka Jaramogi, heartbroken supporters continue to flock to his grave. Several families from the region have planned to mark Christmas festivities with visits to pray at Raila’s resting place.

Today, as time passes since his burial, mourners continue to grieve, visiting his grave daily. The site has become a major pilgrimage destination and an iconic place in the country’s history.

Kenya’s political shrine

Mourners rarely come empty-handed. From bunches of bananas and baskets of fruit to herds of cattle, antiques, souvenirs, and traditional items, Kenyans from all walks of life continue to pay tribute at Opoda Farm and Kango Ka Jaramogi in Bondo.

The Odinga homestead has become what many now call Kenya’s political shrine, attracting citizens, leaders, and delegations bearing tokens of respect for a man whose political life shaped Kenya’s democracy for more than four decades.

Each offering tells a story of gratitude, admiration, and personal connection to a man who symbolised resilience, hope, and defiance against injustice.

In politics, Raila’s death has sparked a scramble to inherit his political influence in Nyanza.

 The late former Kasipul MP Ong’ondo Were. [File, Standard]

During the funeral of journalist Festus Amimo in Awasi, Raila’s shadow was still present as debates over succession and the region’s political direction dominated proceedings.

MPs Mark Nyamita (Uriri), Joshua Oron (Kisumu Central), Rosa Buyu (Kisumu West), Senators Eddy Muok (Migori), Tom Ojienda (Kisumu), Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga, and ODM party leader Oburu Oginga insisted the region remain firmly behind ODM. “We must remain firmly in ODM. It is the biggest gift Raila left us, and we will not allow anyone to play with the party,” said Muok.

Raila had been the pinnacle of political success in the region, commanding unwavering support. Those he endorsed often won seats easily.

Questions remain about the post-Raila era, with Oburu Oginga tasked with guiding ODM through uncertainty.

Strategic communications consultant Barrack Muluka believes Oburu is merely a transitional leader and lacks the mettle to strengthen the party. “No matter how the political space is examined, Raila has left behind fluidity and uncertainty,” he said.

Women’s leadership

It was not only Raila. The death of Phoebe Asiyo in July was also a major blow. A champion of women’s empowerment, Asiyo pushed for reforms that enhanced female leadership and encouraged women to seek political office despite obstacles.

Even in retirement, she remained a formidable voice in promoting gender equality. Beyond her public persona, she was a devoted mother and relative, whose love for family endured until her passing on August 8.

The death of Dalmas Otieno also left a significant void. Otieno, who passed at 80, was synonymous with audacious political moves and a fiercely independent streak. Nicknamed “Wuod bade boyo ja Kangeso” (the son of a tall man from Kangeso), he made bold gambles that defined his career, including his ill-fated attempt through the 2014 “Kalausi Movement” to challenge Raila’s dominance in Luo Nyanza politics.

Otieno had been re-elected to Parliament on an ODM ticket in 2013, while Raila lost the presidential bid to former President Uhuru Kenyatta.

In Migori, Otieno was credited with supporting students’ education and strengthening Rongo University.

Political legacy

In April, the region suffered another blow when MP Ong’ondo Were was shot dead in Nairobi. Last month, his 27-year-old son, Boyd Were, retained the seat following ODM endorsement, opening a new chapter amid intense political competition.

Earlier in the year, celebrated scholar Bethwel Ogot also passed away. A distinguished historian, writer, and public servant, Ogot’s contributions to historical research will endure for decades.

Born on August 3, 1929 in Gem, Siaya County, he attended Ambira Primary, Maseno School, Makerere University College, and pursued postgraduate studies at the University of St Andrews and the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London.

Ogot began his academic career as a lecturer at Makerere University and later chaired the History Department at University College Nairobi (now University of Nairobi).

He founded and directed the Institute of Development Studies (IDS) and the Institute of African Studies (IAS). He served as President of the International Scientific Committee for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation’s (Unesco) General History of Africa, edited Volume V of the History of Africa, and presided over the committee overseeing the work’s completion. He was also a member of the International Commission for Unesco’s History of Humanity.

Each of these losses has left a profound void in Nyanza, in politics, academia, public service, and activism. From Raila Odinga’s political influence to Asiyo’s advocacy for women, Otieno’s bold leadership, Ogot’s scholarly contributions, and Ong’ondo’s community work, the region mourns its giants while navigating the uncertainties their passing has created.

As the region continues to pay homage at gravesites, political shrines, and memorials, Nyanza reflects on a year of grief, resilience, and the enduring legacies of those who shaped its social, political, and intellectual landscape.

The task of filling these voids now falls on the new generation of leaders and communities determined to preserve their heritage while forging paths forward in an evolving political and social environment.