‘You Cannot Alter History and Erase Him’ – Martha Karua Defends Raila, Hails His Key Role in Second Liberation

People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua has defended former Prime Minister Raila Odinga against accusations from some Kenyans that he did not play a significant role in the country’s push for multipartyism.

Although they may have political differences, Karua asserts that Odinga’s contributions are well-documented.

“Even though we differ politically truth be said Raila Odinga was an integral part of the 2nd liberation alongside James Orengo and others,” she stated.

Karua believes that Raila’s critics should acknowledge this part of history and recognize the sacrifices he has made along the way.

“We cannot change history he was detained, jailed and like James Orengo forced to flee Kenya for a while,” she explained.

The PLP leader, who was Raila’s running mate in the 2022 Presidential Elections, emphasized that democracy involves having divergent views and sometimes agreeing to disagree on issues.

She stated that Raila has played his role and urged others to contribute as well to improve Kenya.

“Any one of us has a role to make Kenya a better place for ourselves and generations to come so let each do their bit,” she stated.

Social media has been awash with reports that former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and his long-term ally, Siaya Governor James Orengo, were not reading from the same page.

The claims were exacerbated after professionals from the Luo community threatened to sponsor an impeachment motion against Orengo for criticising the broad-based government.

The discussion regarding the said fallout extended to Saturday, April 19, 2025, with Kenyans on various social media platforms wading into the debate.

Karua was forced to add her voice to the matter after some social media users claimed Raila did not fight for the country’s liberation.

Threats on Orengo

Orengo has dominated headlines in recent times after he called out senior politicians over what he termed as psychophancy to the government.

His sentiments did not augur well with Luo professionals who claimed that he was sabotaging the newly found bromance between Raila and President William Ruto.

Nyanza professionals organisation dubbed Ramogi Professional Caucus reiterated that the community (Luo) is united behind the Ruto-Raila pact for development.

“We want to tell Siaya Governor James Orengo that we are not happy with his remarks at Oduor’s burial on Saturday. As a community, we are united and fully support the broad-based government. This is the only way we can ensure we develop economically. We cannot be in opposition forever,” Joshua Nyamori, RPC Chairman, says.

“If he continues like this, we will even impeach him,” Polycarp Ochilo, a member, added.

Raila’s Say

Meanwhile, ODM party leader Raila Odinga has urged members to engage in discussions about the future of the party without resorting to personal attacks.

In his appeal, Raila called on ODM leaders to demonstrate “decorum, civility, restraint, and respect for one another” as they deliberate on the party’s current state and future direction.

His call comes in response to apparent divisions arising from the party’s decision to unite and collaborate with President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance.

However, he downplayed claims that the ongoing discussions threaten the future of ODM.

“Mr. Odinga believes the discussions are not unique to ODM and are in line with similar such engagements that have gone on in equally strong parties in established democracies,” stated Dennis Onyango, Raila Odinga’s spokesperson.

Onyango confirmed that the former Prime Minister is closely monitoring the ongoing discussions regarding the party’s relationship with the Kenya Kwanza administration. “He is also paying keen attention to the various interpretations of the Memorandum of Understanding with the United Democratic Alliance,” he added.