KITALE, Kenya – Saboti MP and People Renaissance Movement (PM) leader Caleb Amisi has recalled a near-death experience as the country begins marking the first death anniversary of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
In an emotional post on Wednesday, September 30, Amisi hailed the late Odinga’s fight against bad governance and his commitment to democracy.
“On this day, I almost died. Baba led us to protest bad governance,” he recalled.
Odinga led Kenyans in a series of protests against the Jubilee and Kenya Kwanza governments, including the historic Maandamano Mondays, which paralysed key economic sectors.
Surviving tear gas
Describing the ordeal, Amisi recalled a tear gas canister thrown into his vehicle before he was rescued by a journalist and a street boy.
He blasted the political class now celebrating the former opposition leader and Azimio La Umoja–One Kenya Alliance, yet they were publicly against him and even sent police to tear-gas peaceful demonstrators.
The former ODM lawmaker called out leaders hailing his legacy as hypocritical showmanship.
“The hypocrites now posing as his biggest cheerleaders tear-gassed us. A canister was thrown into my car. I nearly suffocated. A journalist and a street boy saved me,” he recalled.
Raila’s anniversary Plans
His remarks come as leaders from both political divides continue celebrating Odinga’s life. The ODM party kicks off the anniversary on Friday, October 1, with candle lighting.
In a statement, the party said it has set aside October for key activities giving Kenyans an opportunity to remember Baba and what he stood for.
“#MweziwaBaba is one of a kind, and on Friday, Kenyans from all walks of life will be invited to light up for Baba wherever they will be,” read the statement.
The lighting is designated across major cities. In Nairobi, it will be held at Uhuru Park Grounds from 3:00 pm, while in Mombasa it will take place at Treasury Square in the CBD and Kisumu Central Square.
A Lesson in bravery
Often mentioning his latest political moves as a blessing from Odinga, Amisi said his bravery and vocal remarks were lessons learnt from him.
“Baba, you taught us bravery!” Amisi wrote.
Amisi, the youngest political party leader, has fashioned his brand around championing youthful leadership, triggered by veteran leaders’ failure to deliver to Kenyans.
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