Former Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana has said that the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s enduring influence will continue to shape Kenya’s democracy for generations to come.
Speaking during an interview on Citizen TV on Tuesday morning, Kibwana reflected on Raila’s immense contribution to the country’s political consciousness, saying that his ideals of justice, unity, and resistance to oppression have been deeply rooted in Kenya’s civic culture.
“Even when Raila was alive, young Kenyans were already agitating for a better country — for the Constitution to work, for corruption to end, and for justice to prevail,” Kibwana said. “That shows that the seed of democracy has already been planted.”
He noted that Raila’s courage and moral authority inspired a spirit of activism among the youth, transforming how citizens view governance and accountability.
According to the former governor, Raila’s message of peaceful resistance against unfair systems is now a guiding principle for a new generation of leaders and reformers.
“Raila taught Kenyans that they have the right to resist whatever is not fair,” he added. “Even when he reached out to his political rivals, that spirit among the youth did not die — it continued.”
Kibwana said that Raila’s democratic legacy cannot be replaced by one individual but will live on through collective action and the many Kenyans who continue to push for good governance.
“You cannot replace Raila with one person,” he said. “His work will be carried forward by many who believe in justice and equality.”
His remarks come as the nation continues to celebrate the life and legacy of Raila Odinga, who was laid to rest on Sunday, October 19, at his Kang’o Ka’Jaramogi home in Siaya County.
The burial ceremony was attended by a host of national and international dignitaries, including President William Ruto, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, and former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo.
Kibwana concluded by saying that Raila’s struggle for democracy and justice will remain a moral compass for Kenya’s future.
“Raila’s ideas now belong to all of us,” he said. “They are no longer about one man — they are about a people determined to protect the soul of their nation.”
