Wetang’ula Defends Broad-Based Government And Calls For National Unity At Mama Doris Okello Burial
Politics Updated: 23 May 2026 12:29 EAT
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula speaking at the burial ceremony of Mama Doris Okello in Nyando, Kisumu county
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula delivered an emotional and politically charged speech during the burial ceremony of Mama Doris Okello, the mother of Nyando MP Jared Okello, in Nyando, Kisumu County.
Wetang’ula began by warmly acknowledging leaders present at the ceremony, including Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga and ODM chairperson Gladys Wanga, while emphasizing his close friendship with Jared Okello and the entire family.
“Rafiki yangu Jared Okelo na familia yako, ndugu yangu Nyanyana Oburu Odinga, Senator Party Leader ODM, mama Gladys mwenyekiti wa ODM wabunge wetu wote ambao wako hapa,” Wetang’ula said as he addressed mourners.
The Speaker said he had attended the funeral not merely as a national leader but as a long-time friend who had stood with Jared Okello throughout his political journey dating back to the 2013 General Election.
“Mimi nimekuja hapa kama rafiki wa Jared Okelo. Vile mliambiwa Jared and Anton Watch were my young candidates in 2013,” he stated.
Wetang’ula recalled frequently visiting the Okello family home and revealed that he personally knew the late Mama Doris, saying their friendship stretched back many years.
“Na mimi nimekuja kwa hii boma sio mara moja sio mara pili. Mama Doris ninamjua alikuwa ananijua,” he said.
The Speaker revisited Jared Okello’s contested 2013 election experience, claiming the ODM legislator had won but was never officially declared the victor, prompting supporters to hold their own celebration afterward.
“Nimekuja hapa kukamba Jared nikakuja kusherehekea kwa sababu ile kule ya 2013 alishinda lakini hakutangazwa. Tukakuja tukasherehekea… we are going to celebrate the victory that never was,” Wetang’ula remarked.
He later shifted to condolences, saying he had come to stand with the bereaved family on behalf of the National Assembly, Parliamentary Service Commission, his family, and leaders from Western Kenya.
“Jared I bring condolences from the National Assembly, Parliament Service Commission, my family na watu wote wa eneo la magharibi ambao unajua ni marafiki zako,” he said.
Wetang’ula also stressed the importance of maintaining family ties, friendships, and political relationships, saying such bonds were critical to national unity and peaceful coexistence.
“Pili ni kuja kuhakikisha kwamba urafiki wetu kama mashemeji, kama marafiki, kama majirani lazima udumu,” he added.
The Speaker revisited the formation of the Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD), recalling his political cooperation with Oburu Odinga and ODM leader Raila Odinga during the 2013 and 2017 political cycles.
“My brother Oburu unajua vile tulikaa tukaunda KOD wewe ulikaa hapo na wengine mimi nikiwa principal na ndugu yetu Baba 2017 tukarudia,” Wetang’ula said.
He disclosed that despite later political differences with Raila Odinga, the two leaders maintained a personal friendship and regularly watched Arsenal matches together.
“Sasa mimi nimetembea na Baba for two critical electoral cycles 2017 na wakati Baba alienda kwa Uhuru mimi nilimwita nikamwambia me I don't trust that guy so wacha mi nichukue njia yangu baadaye tukakutana but in between mimi na Baba kila weekend Arsenali ikicheza tulikuwa tunakaa pamoja,” he said.
Wetang’ula then triggered laughter among mourners after praising Raila Odinga’s loyalty to Arsenal football club, describing him as Kenya’s most recognizable Arsenal supporter.
“Wana Arsenal wako hapa wherever Baba is full of smiles kwa sababu timu yetu imeshinda kikombe. Baba was the embodiment and the face of Arsenal fans in Kenya,” he joked.
Addressing Jared Okello directly, the Speaker acknowledged the emotional weight of losing both parents and urged him to take responsibility as the new head of the family.
“So ndugu Jared wewe umepoteza mama you are now a total orphan… Vile mama ameenda na naona ndugu zako hata wakubwa wamesema you are the team leader of the family. Take the mantle, unite the family,” Wetang’ula said.
He emphasized that strong families form the foundation of a united nation and urged Kenyans to reject division and discrimination.
“Because I believe united families make united communities make a United Nation and that’s what we must be,” he added.
Wetang’ula also highlighted his personal ties with the Luo community through marriage, saying such family relationships reinforced the need for political cooperation between communities.
“Mtoto yangu msichana wa kwanza ameolewa hapa Siaya… nyinyi ni mashemeji na lazima tutembee pamoja,” he stated.
The Speaker condemned entitlement politics and warned against leaders who believe the country belongs only to certain individuals or communities.
“Watu wanasema maneno mengi people who live in entitlement kama si wao hakuna Kenya kama si wao hakuna wengine. That mindset must stop,” he declared.
He called for equal opportunities for all Kenyans regardless of region, tribe, or political affiliation, saying national development depends on inclusivity and fairness.
“We must unite as a country, give everybody a fair opportunity na tutembee kujenga nchi yetu,” Wetang’ula said.
The Speaker praised Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi, describing him as the first Finance and Planning minister from the Nyanza region and commending his leadership during difficult economic times.
“Na ndio bado mimi nimekuambia as the first and I repeat the first finance and planning minister… kutoka region hii and you are doing a good job. We will support you,” he stated.
Wetang’ula also applauded Attorney General Dorcas Oduor, revealing she was once his law student and describing her as an example of successful inclusion in government.
“Tuko na mama Doc Odor Agik alikuwa mwanafunzi wangu kisheria doing a fantastic job. This is how inclusion can be achieved,” he said.
The Speaker urged leaders from the Nyanza region to remain committed to the broad-based political arrangement between President William Ruto and opposition figures.
“We have taken a leap of hope, a leap of faith. We must be determined to go to the end. We must walk together. We must support each other,” Wetang’ula stated.
Defending President Ruto, the National Assembly Speaker said the Head of State means well for the country and accused unnamed political figures of betraying allies in the past.
“William Ruto means well and you know he has no history of betraying people. We know people who betray others,” he said.
Wetang’ula further called for a Kenya where leadership opportunities are open to every community regardless of size or historical influence.
“Mama mjaluo amezaa mtu anaweza kuwa president. Mama Mluhya amezaa mtu anaweza kuwa president. Mkale amezaa mtu anaweza kuwa president. Mkuria amezaa mtu anaweza kuwa hata Elmolo anaweza kuwa president wa Kenya,” he said.
He urged Kenyans to reject tribal discrimination and embrace a shared national identity built on equality and unity.
“Let’s have a united country where nobody feels discriminated, nobody feels unwanted and nobody feels like you are a stranger. We have no strangers in Kenya. We are all one big happy family called Kenya,” Wetang’ula declared.
The Speaker also reflected on his own experience losing his mother last year and thanked Jared Okello for supporting him during that difficult period, saying he had attended the funeral to “repay the debt” of friendship.
“So mama Doris ukienda mimi nilizika mamangu last year na Jared wewe ulikuja so nimekuja kulipa deni,” he emotionally stated.
Wetang’ula concluded his remarks by assuring Oburu Odinga of his support in ODM leadership matters before dismissing critics of the current political cooperation using a traditional Luhya proverb.
“Sisi Waluhya tunasema ng’ombe ikienda kunywa maji hata chura ikipiga kelele namna gani ng’ombe itakunwa maji hata itakanyaga hiyo chura, hata itaikojolea na itaendelea mbele,” he said as mourners erupted into laughter and applause.
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