Mining Cabinet Secretary Ali Hassan Joho has said that he will remain loyal to the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga even after his death, saying his political journey and success were shaped by Raila’s mentorship and trust.
Speaking during Raila’s burial ceremony at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology in Bondo, Joho recounted how the ODM leader took him under his wing when he was an unknown young man from Kisauni, Mombasa, and helped launch his political career.
“I was a very young man from Kisauni, where nobody knew who I was. I went to see Raila and he held my hand. I became an MP, a governor, and now I am a Cabinet Secretary,” Joho said.
He emphasized that his loyalty to Raila was unwavering and would remain so even after his passing.
“I never betrayed Raila while he was alive, and I will not betray him even in death. I can’t be where Raila did not take me,” he said.
“I was taken to the government of William Ruto by Raila Amolo Odinga, and that is where I belong, and that’s where I will stay.”
Joho, a long-time member of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), said Raila’s teachings and values would continue to guide him in public service.
He warned against attempts to divide the party, saying true loyalty meant upholding the principles Raila stood for.
“The values of ODM were instilled in me by Raila, and whoever tries to divide the party is the one that will leave ODM,” he said.
Joho admitted that Raila’s death left him at a loss for words, saying it was one of the hardest moments of his life.
“For a long time, I have never been in a situation where I have struggled to think about what to say,” he said.
“I want to take this opportunity to pray for Raila Odinga. May his soul rest in eternal peace.”
The late Raila Odinga will be laid to rest at their Kang’o Ka’Jaramogi home in Bondo, Siaya County, following a state funeral attended by national and international leaders.
