Amisi Thanks Youth, Condemns Funeral Speeches

Saboti Member of Parliament Caleb Amisi has publicly thanked the youth of Trans Nzoia for their unwavering support during the mourning period following the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday, October 20, 2025, Amisi wrote, “Thank you, the great youth of Trans Nzoia who came singing all the way from Kitale. For giving me a shoulder to lean on as I mourned Baba, I say thank you very much.” His message underscored the communal spirit observed across the nation in response to Odinga's passing.

However, Amisi did not shy away from criticising the proceedings of the state funeral held on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at Odinga’s family home in Kang’o Ka Jaramogi, Bondo. He asserted that “90% of speeches at Baba’s funeral came from hypocrites,” igniting a debate about the sincerity of tributes to the late opposition leader.

Kingi Singled Out for 'Insincerity'

The Saboti MP specifically called out Senate Speaker Amason Kingi, accusing him of insincerity. “For example, Kingi says he was too loyal to Baba, and yet he left Baba last election when Baba needed him most; he even formed his party and supported Baba’s opponent and abused him properly,” Amisi stated. This refers to Kingi’s defection from the Azimio la Umoja coalition, which supported Odinga's presidential bid in the 2022 General Election, to the Kenya Kwanza coalition led by President William Ruto.

Amason Kingi, who served as the first Governor of Kilifi County from 2013 to 2022, founded the Pamoja African Alliance (PAA) party. PAA initially aligned with Azimio la Umoja but later joined Kenya Kwanza in 2022, a move that saw Kingi elected as the Speaker of the Senate on Thursday, September 8, 2022.

Disappointment at Funeral Atmosphere

Amisi described the atmosphere at the funeral as profoundly disappointing. “Seeing hypocrites speak and shout the loudest at Baba’s funeral is the worst last respect ever accorded to an international icon. I am very sad; Kenya needs a renaissance!” he lamented. He further added, “I came to Bondo today to mourn the country’s most committed champion of democracy, only to find a tight competition of people securing their jobs from the Ruto government and who among them was as close to Baba as his skin.”

This sentiment follows earlier criticisms by Amisi regarding the handling of Odinga's public viewing events. On Thursday, October 16, 2025, he condemned the use of excessive force, including teargas and live bullets, by police to control crowds at Kasarani Stadium during the public viewing of Odinga's body.

Pledging to Continue Odinga's Legacy

Despite his criticisms, Amisi signalled his intention to carry forward Odinga’s political legacy. “Sasa mko na Baba mdogo Caleb Amisi!” he declared, indicating his ambition to unite the opposition and champion democracy in the lead-up to the 2027 General Election.

Amisi has previously expressed confidence in Odinga's ability to align with the will of Kenyans ahead of the 2027 elections, stating that Odinga's strength lies in his ability to resonate with the people. He is part of the 'Kenya Moja' team, which aims to offer alternative leadership focused on addressing governance failures, corruption, and tribalism.

Political Succession and Future Outlook

The death of Raila Odinga, who passed away on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at the age of 80 from cardiac arrest in India, has left a significant void in Kenya's political landscape. He was accorded a state funeral with full military honours, a testament to his immense contribution to the country's political and democratic journey.

The question of Odinga's political succession has already begun to emerge, with various leaders positioning themselves. While some, like Alego Usonga MP Samuel Atandi, have declared a shift in loyalty to President William Ruto, others, like Amisi, are keen on preserving and advancing Odinga's political ideals. The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party, which Odinga led, faces the challenge of navigating this transition and maintaining its influence in Kenyan politics.

What to Watch

The coming months will likely see intensified political realignments as leaders vie for influence and attempt to consolidate support ahead of the 2027 General Election. The ODM party's internal dynamics and its strategy for post-Odinga leadership will be crucial to watch. Additionally, the ongoing debate about political sincerity and accountability, sparked by Amisi's remarks, may shape public discourse and voter sentiment.