Raila Odinga Junior on Friday delivered a pointed warning to ODM members exploring alternative political parties as he joined Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir and other leaders in marking the first anniversary of his father’s death.
But as Raila Junior spoke, a striking image at the event captured the absence of the former Prime Minister from the party he led for years.
The seat next to Governor Abdulswamad Nassir, once occupied by Raila Odinga at countless political gatherings in the county, was left empty, carrying only Raila’s trademark ODM scarf and iconic fedora hat.
The symbolism was hard to miss.
Nassir served as Raila’s deputy in ODM, making the empty seat beside him a powerful visual reminder of the former Prime Minister’s absence at a time when the party is facing new political alignments and internal questions over its future.
It was against that backdrop that Raila Junior delivered his message to ODM’s younger generation not to be lured away by political parties that merely appear attractive.
“Baba alituacha ndani ya ODM sisi kama vijana,” Raila Junior told supporters.
“Lakini hawajui kwamba si chochote kinachong’aa ni dhahabu. Watakimbia wafike huko, wapate, kumbe ni vinyozi na si dhahabu. Na hivyo ndivyo watanyolewa kisiasa,” he said.
Raila Junior urged young ODM supporters to remain in the party, saying they should not abandon the political home his father left them.
“Naomba vijana, tubaki ndani ya ODM,” he said.
The Mombasa event formed part of the nationwide candle-lighting ceremonies held on Friday, October 2, as ODM and Raila supporters began a month-long programme commemorating the former Prime Minister.
Dubbed Mwezi wa Baba, the programme will run throughout October, with activities planned across the country to honour Raila’s political legacy.
