Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli has urged Kenyans to use the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga as a unifying factor.
While speaking during the burial of the father of the Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, on Thursday, October 23, Atwoli noted that in the past, deaths have acted as unifying factors.
The COTU boss went on to state that after the death of Tom Mboya, the country united, the same as when J.M. Kariuki died, saying that it is only funerals that bring people together, especially those who were warring parties before. He urged the nation to rally behind President William Ruto, insisting that he has the ability to deliver to Kenyans.
“Mazishi ama kifo ndio kinaleta watu pamoja. Wakati wa mazishi ya marehemu Tom Mboya, taifa lote lilikuja pamoja; wakati wa marehemu J.M. Kariuki, alikufa, Kenya yote ilikuja pamoja. Wakati tulipopoteza wakubwa wetu wote, Kenya ilikuja pamoja. Mazishi ndio huleta watu pamoja. Kenyans, let’s remain united; we have an able president who has the ability to deliver,” Atwoli said.
These remarks came after those made by Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga, who appeared to celebrate the death of the former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, words that led to a quick response from ODM leaders, especially those from his Nyanza backyard, accusing him of trying to wedge conflict between the two regions.
A day after his remarks, a group of elders from the Mt Kenya region, led by the Ndia MP, visited the home of the former Prime Minister to pay their tributes.
Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga later came out to state that the two regions have long been allies, noting that the founding fathers, Jomo Kenyatta from Mt Kenya and Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, were great friends. She added that the visit by Mt Kenya elders to Raila’s home had appeased the two late leaders.
Ruth further dismissed any animosity between the two communities, saying that she used to mingle with former President Uhuru Kenyatta at Kisumu State Lodge while growing up and that they were good friends.
A different group of elders from the Mt Kenya region, led by S.K. Macharia, also paid homage to the home of the late former Prime Minister on Wednesday, October 23, 2025, to offer their tributes.
The death of the former prime minister saw Kenyans from all corners of the country come together to mourn the departed leader, who was celebrated as a towering statesman.
Elders from different communities, such as the Luhya and Kalenjin, also visited his home, each accompanied by bulls, to pay their respects to the late leader, saying that his impact was felt across different regions.
