Nyando Member of Parliament Jared Okello has weighed in on why retired President Uhuru Kenyatta received a warm reception during the funeral of the late Raila Odinga.
Speaking on Thursday, October 30, Okello explained that Raila’s supporters cheered Uhuru as a gesture of gratitude for supporting the former Prime Minister during the 2022 general election.
The ODM MP noted that Raila’s supporters have never had a chance to appreciate the former Head of State after the 2022 polls.
“Former President Uhuru Kenyatta really helped Raila Odinga to vie for the presidency in the last elections. He has never met Kenyans who are ardent supporters of Raila to thank him for the support that never yielded fruit.
“So, when they met him for the first time at Nyayo Stadium and in Bondo, they could only cheer him as a sign of thank you,” said Okello.
The Nyando MP pointed out that the warm reception should not be mistaken for a political allegiance to Uhuru.
Okello said the late ODM leader’s supporters are now behind President William Ruto.
“That cannot be equated to now, ODM supporters rallying behind Uhuru Kenyatta. Uhuru cannot stand for anything now.
“In fact, we have since moved. We are working with President William Ruto, and we hope Dr Oburu Oginga in the next round of negotiations, he will only negotiate with Ruto,” he added.
Uhuru was cheered by Raila supporters during the State Funeral at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi on October 17 and in Bondo, Siaya on October 19, 2025.
In his speech during the State Funeral, Uhuru recalled intimate moments when he and Raila would unwind after work, sharing what he playfully described as a ‘ small thing’.
“I have a short story. You know, sometimes after work, Raila and I just chill, we would be given a small thing -‘drink,'” Uhuru said, prompting laughter from the crowd.
The retired President also revealed that during these relaxed moments, he and Raila would often reflect on the legendary African leaders who came before them and wonder what they might think of their efforts.
“We would wonder about all those who came before us. Julius Nyerere, Jaramogi Oginga, Jomo Kenyatta. And we would wonder what they talk about when they look down on us? Do they laugh at the things we are doing, at the plans we make as we try to accomplish things? That is what we would ask ourselves,” Uhuru said.
He also imagined Raila now among those great leaders they used to discuss, engaging in conversations with the icons of Africa’s liberation struggle.
“Now I’m wondering if my brother, Raila, has left before me. I know you are already in conversation. What are you saying to them? I’m in no rush to join you, but I pray to God to keep us long,” he further said.
