Siaya County Governor James Orengo recently paid tribute to his late mentor, Raila Odinga—affectionately known as Babu—by sharing a handshake photo on March 17, 2026, captioned:
“As usual, I had a wonderful session with Babu.”
Orengo included the phrase “A luta continua”—Portuguese for “the struggle continues”—a slogan historically linked to anti-colonial and anti-apartheid movements.
For Orengo, it conveys that the fight for justice, accountability, and reform remains ongoing, even after personal and political setbacks.
The post highlights continuity in Kenya’s opposition following Raila Odinga’s passing, which left a leadership gap within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and the wider opposition space.
ODM Challenges and Orengo’s Role
A long-time ally of Raila, Orengo has been active in ODM through decades of political battles, including the 2018 handshake with former President Uhuru Kenyatta and various electoral and protest challenges.
He continues to uphold Babu’s principles amid ODM’s internal disputes, leadership reshuffles, and alleged external interference.
Orengo remains engaged in local initiatives, such as community empowerment projects in Ugenya and infrastructure updates in Siaya, combining governance with a message of continued political resistance.
Public Response
Reactions to the post have been mixed. Supporters view it as a symbol of resilience and principled leadership, while critics question the focus on protest symbolism over tangible development.
Orengo’s gesture emphasizes that the pursuit of justice, good governance, and citizen empowerment must continue. As ODM considers its strategy for the 2027 elections, “A luta continua” serves as a reminder that meaningful change requires persistent effort.
The handshake may be personal, but the slogan communicates a broader commitment: the struggle continues, and ultimate victory remains the goal.
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Politics