Peter Salasya Says He Still Can’t Believe Raila Odinga Is Gone

Mumias East MP Peter Salasya has shared his deep disbelief and pain following the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, describing him as a national icon and personal mentor. Speaking during an interview with NTV, the youthful legislator said he has not yet come to terms with Raila’s passing, which occurred on Wednesday, October 15, in India.

How Did Peter Salasya React to Raila Odinga’s Death?

Salasya expressed heartfelt condolences to Raila’s family, saying the news of his death felt unreal and left him struggling to accept the loss. “I want to take this opportunity to pass my condolences to Mama Ida Odinga and the children he has left behind. When I received the sad news about Raila’s death, I didn’t believe it because we grew up seeing him, and he has done a lot. It was hard for me to believe that he had left us. It was too painful, and I still struggle to believe it. Let’s pray for his family and the entire nation. May God heal us as we move forward,” he said.

The MP described Raila as a unifying figure whose influence transcended party politics. He urged the country to remember him not only as the leader of the ODM party but as a statesman who shaped Kenya’s political journey. Salasya also expressed disappointment over the burial arrangements, saying the late opposition leader deserved a national honour. “There is something I felt should not have been done during his funeral. Raila was beyond ODM. He was a national figure. The ODM party shouldn’t have buried him with the party’s stuff. They should have buried him with the Kenyan national flag. Everyone mourned him despite their political divide,” he said.

Why Does Salasya Consider Raila His Political Mentor?

Salasya revealed that Raila inspired his political ambitions and that he has admired him since 2014. “He was my mentor. I have been admiring him since I started politics in 2014. I still believe in his principles, and I follow them… Even when I ran as an independent candidate, I supported him and supported his handshake with former president Uhuru Kenyatta. My dream was to see him become the president,” he said.

The legislator added that while he supported most of Raila’s political moves, he disagreed with his last decision to work with President William Ruto. “It is just that I was not satisfied with his last handshake with President William Ruto because I felt it was not the right decision,” he explained.

Through his reflections, Salasya painted a picture of a man whose political life and personal influence left a lasting impression on Kenya’s youth and leadership. For him, Raila’s vision and resilience will remain an enduring guide for generations to come.

By Modester Nasimiyu