Africa-Press – Kenya. Jubilee Deputy Party Leader Jeremiah Kioni has paid tribute to the late ODM leader Raila Odinga, describing him as a unifying figure whose leadership and wisdom continue to offer guidance during periods of political uncertainty.
Kioni said Raila’s legacy is often spoken about without a full appreciation of the man behind the politics.
“I hear people eulogise Raila, and sometimes I wonder whether they truly understood the man they are talking about,” Kioni said, reflecting on his personal encounters with the veteran opposition leader.
Kioni recounted a defining moment during a period of political confusion, when Raila, despite not being a member of the Jubilee Party at the time, made a deliberate effort to engage with him directly.
“At the height of all the confusion we had, Raila, who was not a Jubilee member, came to the Jubilee office and sat on my chair,” he said.
According to Kioni, the gesture symbolised Raila’s commitment to dialogue, bridge-building and national stability, even across political divides.
He said the moment left a lasting impression, reinforcing his belief in Raila’s instinct for inclusive leadership at critical moments in the country’s political journey.
The former Jubilee Secretary General noted that Raila’s approach has consistently been anchored in consultation and consensus, rather than confrontation for its own sake.
He described the ODM leader as someone who was capable of steering political actors through difficult transitions with calm and foresight.
“I have no doubt that his legacy will be able to guide us through the rain that is ahead of us,” Kioni said, using a metaphor to describe the challenges facing the country’s political class.
Kioni’s remarks come on a day the Jubilee party held a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting chaired by the Party Leader, reired President Uhuru Kenyatta where assigned a new role.
Kioni’s new role places him at the centre of the party’s efforts to streamline operations, ensure compliance with party processes, and coordinate activities from grassroots levels to the national stage.
He will also spearhead the party’s engagement and alliance-building with political and societal stakeholders, Jubilee officials said.
In addition to Kioni’s appointment, the NEC approved a series of key leadership positions.
Ole Kenta was appointed Secretary General, with Zack Kinuthia named Deputy Secretary General Yassin Noor Haji will serve as National Organising Secretary, and Vincent Mogaka assumes the role of Chairperson.
Dan Mwangi will be Executive Director, while Kembi Gitura takes on the role of Director of Elections.
Peter Kados was appointed Chair of the MCA Caucus, and Saitoti Torome will oversee Jubilee Foundation’s public policy work.
