Webuye East MP Martin Wanyonyi paid tribute to the enduring vision of the country’s first vice president, Mzee Jaramogi Oginga during his 30th memorial last Saturday.
Describing Mzee Jaramogi as an iconic figure, Wanyonyi expressed confidence that the late leader’s aspirations for a better Kenya have materialised.
He commemorated Jaramogi as a patriotic figure who tirelessly dedicated himself to the service of his country.
The Ford Kenya MP remembered Jaramogi for his unwavering commitment to principles of equality, justice, and truth.
“Part of this dream has been realised, where anyone can contest elections and win, irrespective of their background, echoing the true essence of democracy,” he said.
The chairman of the Ford Kenya National Disability League spoke in Webuye on Saturday.
Jaramogi was the founder of Ford Kenya alias Simba now led by National Assembly speaker Moses Wetangula.
The MP highlighted the progress the party and the country have made in realising the dreams of Jaramogi.
He cited enhanced democracy within the party, devolution, freedom of speech, and universal health coverage.
Wanyonyi, however, stressed there is still a long way to go to fully realise Mzee Jaramogi's vision.
He expressed the desire for a stronger Ford Kenya with a national outlook, rooted in western Kenya and Nyanza province.
Looking ahead to 2027, Wanyonyi called for a united effort to elect Ford Kenya leaders across various levels.
Emphasizing regional unity, Wanyonyi urged the region to unite with others to ensure that the Luhya nation produces a President.
“We are indeed in line with Odinga’s principles of equality, justice, and truth as we continue our journey towards a better Kenya,” he reiterated.
On January 20, 1994, Jaramogi succumbed to a heart attack, leaving behind a profound legacy.
“His pivotal contributions during the struggle for independence are etched in the nation’s history,” Wanyonyi said.
Notably, he said, Jaramogi coined the enduring phrase “Not Yet Uhuru,” encapsulating his commitment to the quest for true freedom and justice, as expressed in his autobiography of the same title penned in the 1980s during his house arrest.