Hundreds of Turkana county residents on Friday evening joined other Kenyans in celebrating the life of the late ODM party leader Raila Odinga.

Led by ODM county officials, the residents held a procession from Lodwar town to Kanamkemer about four kilometres long as they sang and danced to songs praising the former premier.

ODM has been the dominant party in the county since 2013. The current governor Jeremiah Lomorukai was also elected on the party’s ticket although he has since shifted alliance to ruling UDA.

ODM County chairman and also the Turkana North member of Parliament Paul Nabuin was joined by his deputy Abraham Losinyen, party secretary Ali Lokiru and other party leaders in a candle lighting event held at Kanamkemer.

Nabuin, who has declared interest in the gubernatorial seat credited Raila Odinga for devolution in the country.

Nabuin said Turkana county has been a major beneficiary of devolution after many years of marginalization.

The MP, who served as the first County Executive for Finance at the onset of the devolved government framework, said he helped lay the foundation for devolution in the area but blamed the current administration for failing the residents in service delivery.

“I was at the forefront in drafting the first county integrated development plan under Governor Josphat Nanok’s administration. We laid the foundation for key infrastructure projects and human resources in this county,” he said.

Nabuin also blamed the current regime for demoralizing staff due to delayed payment of salaries and other allowances.

If elected, the MP promised to ensure that the county remained secure, vowing to shun boardroom security meetings saying they had not done much to solve insecurity in the county.

Since the inception of devolution in 2013, Turkana County has received Sh138 billion in equitable share from the National Treasury, the second highest share after Nairobi County.

Speaking at the same event, ODM vice chairman Abraham Losinyen said the late Raila Odinga was a fearless champion of human rights and vowed to emulate him.

Losinyen, who is eyeing the Turkana Central parliamentary seat promised to deliver free primary and secondary education if elected. He also pledged to defend the rights of the poor in the community.

ODM county secretary and former Turkana East Member of Parliament Ali Lokiru lauded the late premier track record and support for devolution.

Lokiru added that Odinga played a key role in ensuring the county got the six constituencies they currently enjoy.

ODM women league member Margaret Ariariam, on her part, remembered the late Odinga as a champion of women’s rights.

By Peter Gitonga