Mafabi hails Raila Odinga as a champion of democracy, unity in Africa

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Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) presidential flag bearer James Nathan Nandala Mafabi has paid glowing tribute to Kenya’s veteran opposition leader Raila Odinga, describing him as a pillar of democracy and peace whose political life offers enduring lessons for East Africa.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with New Vision ahead of his campaign trail in Busia district bordering Kenya on October 16, Mafabi reflected on Odinga’s legacy following the Kenyan opposition icon’s passing, saying his name will forever remain inscribed in the political history of the region.

“Odinga has been at the centre of every major political change in Kenya. You cannot write him out of the region’s political history,” Mafabi said. “From the days of President Moi to the coalition governments that followed, he has always been a key player and a peace-loving man who placed his country above personal gain.”

Mafabi noted that Odinga’s contribution to multi-party democracy and constitutional reform in Kenya inspired many reformists across East Africa and should inspire constitutional reforms in Uganda, such as term limits.

“He fought for democratic governance during the Moi regime and stood firm even when it was dangerous to do so,” Mafabi said. “He helped end the one-party era, pushed for constitutional change, and gave Kenya one of the most progressive constitutions in Africa.”

He recalled the historic 2005 constitutional referendum, where Odinga led the Orange Movement against the Banana camp, marking a turning point in Kenya’s political trajectory. Mafabi said Odinga’s steadfastness during disputed elections and his eventual role as Prime Minister under the power-sharing arrangement with President Mwai Kibaki demonstrated a rare commitment to peace.

“When Kenya was on the verge of destruction after the 2007 elections, Odinga chose dialogue over violence,” Mafabi said. “That shows the kind of leader he was one who valued people’s lives more than political power.”

The FDC candidate said Uganda and other African nations could draw valuable lessons from Odinga’s approach to governance, particularly his insistence on institutional reform and respect for term limits.

“Kenya’s constitution introduced clear time limits and age limits for leadership, and that has helped stabilise their democracy,” Mafabi explained. “We need the same spirit in Uganda leaders must serve and leave when their time comes.”

He added that Uganda should consider adopting aspects of Kenya’s governance model, including separating the executive from Parliament, establishing a bicameral legislature, and appointing ministers based on merit rather than political loyalty.

“We need ministers who are not members of parliament so that they can focus on delivery and accountability,” he said. “We also need a second chamber of Parliament, an upper house to check and balance the system, and to make use of our senior citizens and experts whose wisdom is being wasted.”

Mafabi revealed that as he campaigns in Busia, a border town that shares close ties with Kenya, he intends to dedicate a moment of prayer in Odinga’s memory.

“Busia will remember him. We shall start with a prayer for his soul because he was not only a Kenyan leader but a regional figure,” Mafabi said. “He fought for justice, for people’s rights, and for unity across East Africa. We shall emulate some of his actions and carry forward the fight for change.”

The FDC presidential candidate said Odinga’s passing should serve as a reminder to African leaders about the importance of humility, service, and legacy.

“Where he has gone is where we are all going. He cannot come back to us, but we can follow in his footsteps,” Mafabi reflected. “He lived for a cause bigger than himself, and that is the kind of leadership Africa needs.”

Mafabi urged East African countries to strengthen their political and economic ties, saying unity is the surest path to peace and prosperity.

“Kenya today is more united because they embraced reforms,” he said. “Uganda too must heal its divisions and build a system where no one feels left behind. That is what Raila Odinga stood for a united, democratic Africa.”

Odinga, 80, died on Wednesday, October 15, in Kerala, India, after suffering a cardiac arrest. His death has drawn an outpouring of tributes from across Africa and beyond, with regional leaders describing him as a freedom fighter, democrat, and Pan-African visionary.

He will be buried on Sunday, October 19, 2025.