NAIROBI, Kenya — Leaders of 10 political parties have pledged to uphold the late Raila Odinga’s legacy of democracy, national unity and issue-based politics as Kenya prepares for the 2027 General Election.
The leaders made the commitment on Tuesday during a visit to Mama Ida Odinga at her Nairobi home, where they paid tribute to the former opposition leader and called for a shift away from ethnic politics and political hostility towards issues affecting ordinary Kenyans.
The delegation was led by National Liberal Party (NLP) leader Augustus Muli and Political Parties Liaison Committee (PPLC) chairman Evans Misati.
Muli said the visit was an opportunity to celebrate Raila’s contribution to Kenya’s democratic journey rather than remain focused on mourning his death.
“Baba died last year. The time for mourning is over. Today is for celebration,” Muli said.
10 parties unite around Raila’s legacy
The meeting brought together representatives from the United Democratic Party (UDP), United Progressive Alliance (UPA), United People’s Forum (UPF), Party of Peace and Order Kenya (PPOK), Kenya Patriotic Party (KPP), National Unity Party of Equality and Unity (NUPEU), Liberal Party of Kenya (LPK), Alliance for Real Change Kenya (ARCK), People’s Green Party (PGP) and the National Liberal Party (NLP).
The parties said Raila’s political legacy should be reflected in the issues they take to voters ahead of the 2027 elections.
Rather than using his name merely as a campaign slogan, the leaders said they wanted to promote democratic governance, constitutionalism and national cohesion.
In a joint statement, they argued that Raila’s legacy would best be honoured by defending democratic institutions and advancing constitutional principles.
Mama Ida praised for role in second liberation
The meeting also turned emotional when Kenya Patriotic Party leader Dick Kamau recalled Mama Ida’s role during Kenya’s second liberation struggle.
Kamau described her as an important link between pro-democracy activists who were detained or forced into exile and Raila, who was among the prominent figures in the struggle for political reform.
“You were the bridge that kept the struggle alive. That sacrifice must never be forgotten,” Kamau told Mama Ida.
The remarks highlighted the role of the Odinga family in Kenya’s political history and the democratic reforms that followed years of agitation for multiparty politics and constitutional change.
Parties reject ethnic politics
Speaking on behalf of the parties, Misati said the political class should focus on practical issues affecting Kenyans rather than ethnic mobilisation and personal attacks.
He said the parties had resolved to promote an agenda centred on employment, the cost of living, healthcare, education, agriculture and opportunities for young people.
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“Kenyans deserve solutions, not insults. We reject tribal politics, incitement and violence as the country heads to the 2027 elections,” Misati said.
The leaders said political competition should be conducted peacefully and should allow parties to present competing ideas on how to address Kenya’s economic and social challenges.
Raila legacy enters 2027 political debate
The pledge comes as political parties begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election, when Raila’s absence is expected to reshape parts of Kenya’s political landscape.
For decades, Raila was one of the country’s most influential political figures and a central player in debates over democracy, constitutional reform, devolution and national governance.
His death has since prompted renewed discussion over how his political legacy should be preserved and who should carry forward the causes he championed.
The 10 parties said the answer should not be limited to political symbolism.
They argued that preserving Raila’s legacy would require continued advocacy for democratic institutions, constitutionalism, national unity and policies that respond to the everyday concerns of Kenyans.
The delegation concluded the visit with prayers for the Odinga family and reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful and democratic political competition ahead of the 2027 polls.
