Odinga Breaks Silence at Fred Omondi's Funeral, Condemns Police Brutality

Azimio leader Raila Odinga has made a return to the public eye as he attended the funeral of comedian Fred Omondi in Usenge, Siaya County.

The burial ceremony took place against the backdrop of nationwide protests sparked by the controversial Finance Bill of 2024. The untimely demise of Fred Omondi, the younger brother of popular comedian Eric Omondi, sent shockwaves through the nation. On June 15, Fred's life was tragically cut short in a road accident on Kagundo Road where the bodaboda he was riding collided head-on with a speeding bus.

Arriving via helicopter in Sega, Bondo, Siaya County, Raila Odinga was accompanied by Siaya Governor James Orengo and National Assembly Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi. The political figures paid their respects to Fred Omondi at his family home. Odinga's appearance at the funeral coincided with ongoing protests led by Generation Z. These demonstrations were triggered by the Finance Bill of 2024, which has faced widespread criticism for its perceived punitive measures that burden ordinary citizens and potentially stifle economic growth.

While Raila had previously called for the rejection of the Finance Bill, he refrained from directly addressing the protests during the funeral. However, he did issue a powerful statement condemning the alleged use of brutal force by the State against demonstrators. Expressing deep concern over the escalating violence, Raila emphasized that dissenting voices should be heard, not silenced.

"I am disturbed at the murders, arrests, detentions, and surveillance being perpetrated by police on boys and girls who are only seeking to be heard over taxation policies that are stealing both their present and future." He said, urging the government to listen to the concerns of the country's youth.