People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua has invoked the “Wantam” slogan while paying tribute to the late Raila Odinga, saying his dream of justice, dignity and better living conditions for Kenyans would endure beyond individual political leaders.
Speaking on Thursday, October 15, 2026, during the first anniversary commemorations of Raila’s death at Migwena Cultural and Sports Grounds in Bondo, Siaya County, Karua linked the former prime minister’s legacy to calls for President William Ruto to serve only one term.
Karua, who was Raila’s running mate in the 2022 presidential election, said his vision centred on respect for citizens’ rights, food security and national unity.
Her remarks came amid renewed political debate over Raila’s legacy, ODM’s future and the direction of Kenya’s opposition politics ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Karua invokes ‘Wantam’ at Raila’s memorial
Karua opened her address with chants of “Bondo oyee!” and “Kenya oyee!” before turning to what she described as the political ideals Raila championed.
“Ndoto ya Baba ilikuwa kuona kila Mkenya haki yake ikiheshimiwa,” she declared, saying Raila’s dream was for every Kenyan’s rights to be respected.
She also stressed that his vision included a country where no citizen went to bed hungry.
“Viongozi watakuja, wataenda lakini ndoto ya Baba ni Wantam,” Karua said.
Translated into English, her message was that leaders would come and go, but Raila’s dream would endure.
The reference to “Wantam” — a political slogan associated with calls for President Ruto to serve only one term — gave her tribute a direct political message ahead of the next General Election.
Karua’s remarks connected Raila’s legacy to continuing demands for accountability, economic relief and improved living standards.
Winnie Odinga highlights cost-of-living pressures
Karua’s speech came as Raila’s daughter, Winnie Odinga, highlighted the financial difficulties facing ordinary Kenyans.
Winnie questioned how families could cope with rising household responsibilities despite working long hours, pointing to the difficult choices many face when balancing rent, school fees, food and medical expenses.
“It hurts me to see kwamba unaamka mapema, unafanya kazi mpaka usiku na mwisho wa mwezi bado unachagua ‘ni rent ama school fees? Ni chakula ama ni dawa?’ Halafu unaambiwa uongeze bidii,” Winnie said.
Her remarks brought the cost of living into the anniversary discussions, shifting attention to the economic pressures confronting households.
The comments also reinforced the broader debate over whether the political ideals associated with Raila’s leadership can translate into better living conditions for Kenyans.
Raila Junior raises questions about ODM’s future
Raila’s son, Raila Junior, also addressed the gathering, reflecting on the divisions and uncertainty surrounding ODM since his father’s death.
“One year later there is a lot of noise without Baba to calm us down. One year later Baba’s chama ODM bado iko. It’s still in mourning. Bado kuna watu wa ODM na wametuonesha mambo,” he said.
His remarks highlighted the challenges facing a party that Raila led for decades as political leaders debate its future direction.
Raila Junior also recalled the principles he said his father had taught him, including defending vulnerable people and speaking up for those without a voice.
“The greatest lesson he taught me was; stand for what is right. Defend the weak. Speak for the voiceless and never stop believing in the people,” he stated.
He added that those who carry Raila’s name have a responsibility to protect the values for which the former prime minister stood.
Raila’s legacy takes centre stage
The anniversary attracted thousands of supporters and political leaders to Bondo, where speeches combined tributes to Raila with concerns about Kenya’s economic situation and the future of ODM.
Karua emphasised the continuing relevance of Raila’s political ideals, Winnie focused on the cost-of-living crisis, while Raila Junior reflected on the responsibility of preserving his father’s legacy.
Together, their remarks placed questions of political accountability, economic hardship and party unity at the centre of the commemorations.
Raila died in India on October 15, 2025, and was buried four days later at Kang’o ka Jaramogi in Bondo, Siaya County.
Also Read: Why Raila Odinga Never Considered the Presidency His Biggest Prize