Speaking during a church fundraiser at AIC Arina Estate in Kisumu on Sunday, Ojienda called on leaders to allow all Kenyans to mourn the late opposition leader freely.
His remarks came just days after ODM officials warned Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and other Kenya Kwanza leaders against visiting Bondo, sparking debate across the political divide.
Ojienda’s tone reflected a call for tolerance and political maturity. He emphasized that moments of national grief should bring people together rather than divide them.
His statement contrasted sharply with the defiant stance adopted by ODM earlier in the week, which many critics described as divisive and emotional.
The ODM directive was initially triggered by remarks from Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga that party officials considered disrespectful. However, the attempt to restrict political leaders from visiting the Odinga family has been widely condemned as a misstep that risks deepening ethnic and political rifts.
Observers say Ojienda’s message captures a shift in Nyanza’s political landscape. With Raila Odinga’s passing, leaders are beginning to rethink their strategy and relationship with the national government. The senator’s message signals an emerging pragmatic voice that seeks to blend respect for Odinga’s legacy with a forward-looking approach.
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