Jubilee Party Secretary-General Jeremiah Kioni has said that the late Raila Odinga played a major role in shaping the party and that without him, the Jubilee Party would not have existed.
Speaking during a memorial service for the former Prime Minister.Kioni praised Raila for being a unifying force who brought Kenya’s main political rivals together.
Kioni said that many Kenyans may not know how much Raila contributed behind the scenes to ensure peace and stability after the 2017 general election.
According to him, the famous Handshake between Raila Odinga and former President Uhuru Kenyatta in 2018 saved the country from chaos and also gave new life to the Jubilee government.
“Let us tell the truth,” Kioni said. “Without Raila Odinga, there would be no Jubilee Party as we know it today.
He made peace possible when our country was deeply divided.”
He explained that before the handshake, political tension was at its highest,
And Kenya risked falling into another wave of violence like that of 2007.
But Raila chose peace over politics, showing that leadership is not just about power but about unity and sacrifice.
Kioni also said that Raila helped guide the Jubilee government toward major national projects,
Including infrastructure, devolution support, and reconciliation among communities.
“Raila’s wisdom and willingness to work with his former opponents helped Kenya move forward,” he added.
The Jubilee Party leader went on to describe Raila as a man who always put the country before himself.
He reminded Kenyans that Raila’s vision was not limited to winning elections but to building a fair and equal nation for all.
“Even when he was not in power, Raila acted like a statesman,” Kioni said.
“He believed Kenya could only grow when leaders chose peace and truth.”
Many Kenyans attending the event agreed with Kioni’s statement, saying Raila’s partnership with Uhuru Kenyatta during the handshake period brought calm and progress.
Kioni ended his speech by calling on leaders to continue Raila’s spirit of unity. “We must learn from him,” he said.
“Raila taught us that leadership is about service, not pride. Jubilee, and indeed Kenya, owes much to him.”
His words reminded the nation that Raila Odinga’s influence went far beyond politics he was a peacemaker whose actions reshaped Kenya’s history.
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