Winnie Odinga Calls for Respectful Leadership at Onyonka Family Funeral
Politics Updated: 15 May 2026 17:28 EAT
Edwin Sifuna and Winnie Odinga share a chat during the funeral service of Kisii Senator Richard Onyoka’s mother, Mama Teresia Nyaboke Omoke
Winnie Odinga on Friday delivered an emotional and politically charged speech during the burial ceremony of the late Mama Teresa, the mother of Richard Onyonka, in Kisii County, where she urged leaders to show humility, respect citizens and focus on the country’s struggling economy.
Speaking before mourners, Winnie began by conveying condolences from her family and ODM leader Ida Odinga to the bereaved family. She described the loss of a parent as one of the most painful experiences anyone can endure regardless of status or political position.
“First of all ningependa kusema pole, my deepest condolences on behalf of my family and my mother Dr. Ida Betty Odinga to the family of Mama Teresa,” Winnie told mourners during the funeral service attended by political leaders, relatives and residents from across Kisii County.
She emotionally reflected on grief and personal loss, saying leadership and public office do not shield individuals from pain and sorrow when tragedy strikes at home.
“Losing a mother is not something easy. In fact, losing anybody that's very close to you is not very easy. Hata ukiwa senator ama governor… that happens unarudi mtoto tu. So poleni sana,” she said as mourners listened quietly.
The event later took a political tone after Winnie criticised what she termed as arrogance and disrespect by some leaders serving in government, saying public officials must learn how to communicate respectfully with ordinary Kenyans.
“The problem that I'm seeing here ni kwamba viongozi hapa Kenya sana sana wale wako serikali hawajui kuongea na watu,” she stated, drawing applause from sections of the crowd gathered for the burial.
She faulted leaders who issue threats and confrontational remarks in public instead of engaging citizens with humility, saying leadership should be grounded on respect and service.
“Kama wewe ni viongozi lazima uongee na watu na heshima. Si kila saa unakuja mbele yetu unasema ‘nitakutisha wewe, nitakumaliza wewe’… we are also human beings,” Winnie said.
According to her, funerals often provide moments of reflection where leaders and citizens alike are reminded about the fragility of life and the importance of unity within society.
“Funeral like this is a very important thing kwa sababu tukumbusha kwamba sisi wote ni binadamu,” she added.
Winnie also shifted focus to the country’s economic situation, expressing concern over Kenya’s rising public debt and the increasing hardships being faced by ordinary citizens across the country.
“Juzi nalisikia deni ya Kenya imepita zaidi ya trilioni 10. Najua hiyo namba ni kubwa sana hata wengine hawaelewi,” she said while questioning the direction of the economy.
She noted that many young people remain unemployed while small businesses continue collapsing under harsh economic conditions, adding that farmers are equally struggling with the high cost of farm inputs including fertiliser.
“What is happening here? The economy is in bad shape. Vijana hawana kazi. Biashara vidogo vidogo zimefungwa. Wakulima wanahangaika juu ya gharama ya mbolea,” she stated before urging government officials to concentrate on service delivery instead of political rhetoric.
“You have to focus. You need to talk less and work more,” Winnie told leaders during the address.
In some of her sharpest remarks, Winnie criticised the handling of the National Treasury, insisting that the office should remain professional and focused on protecting the country’s economy rather than being turned into a political platform.
“The national treasury is not a political office. The national treasury of the Republic of Kenya is not a personal office,” she said, adding that the institution should safeguard the value of public resources and maintain confidence in the country’s economy.
She further warned against using powerful public offices to intimidate critics and citizens, insisting that government officials must remain accountable to the people they serve.
“National treasury of the economy of largest economy in eastern central Africa is not a platform for you to abuse us and talk to us however you want,” she remarked.
As she concluded her speech, Winnie appealed for compassion and better engagement between leaders and wananchi, saying the country needs leaders who are attentive to the concerns of ordinary citizens on the ground.
“As public servants I think we need to take a little step in how we treat each other, how we talk to people. We need to pay more attention to the people on the ground. We need to listen to them,” she said before ending with prayers for the late Mama Teresa and her family.
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