Raila Odinga Tearfully Recounts Losing Friends During Struggle for Kenya's Freedom

 

 Raila Odinga speaking during an ODM delegate's meeting in Mombasa

Azimio leader Raila Odinga was visibly emotional as he recounted the origins of the constitution that granted Kenyans their rights and freedoms during an ODM event in Mombasa..  Speaking to the delegates present, Raila highlighted the various political parties he helped form in pursuit of this mission.Why did Raila break down at ODM event? The former prime minister elaborated on the difficult journey, recalling how many leaders were arrested and faced severe consequences, including death sentences. Understand that this has come from afar. It’s a struggle that Kenyans have fought for a long time. Some have died. I saw many friends perish in this struggle.

 Others were taken to court, only to return with death sentences, saying goodbye to me while asking me to convey their regards to their families," he said. Raila, who took a sabbatical from local politics, broke down as he remembered how his friends lost their lives, leaving him to continue the fight. “I am dying, but for the sake of Kenyans. It pains me to recall someone who stood by you saying they won’t see you again before being taken away to be hanged,” he reflected, as the crowd rose to offer their support.  Is Raila hinting at changing the constitution? 

He emphasised that there is a deep-rooted reason behind the anger prevalent in Kenyan politics, which he believes many fail to understand. The celebrated politician hinted at the need for further amendments to the Constitution to ensure citizens have full freedom to express their interests. “This liberation struggle has a long history. It did not come easily. People died for us to achieve this. It came through the sweat and blood of Kenyans. But this Constitution is not what we wanted. Something is still missing,” he stated. 

by  Nancy Odindo