James Orengo recently paid tribute to his longtime mentor and ally, the late Raila Odinga—affectionately known as Babu—through a symbolic handshake photo posted on March 17, 2026. The post carried a simple yet meaningful caption: “As usual, I had a wonderful session with Babu.”
Orengo accompanied the gesture with the phrase “A luta continua”—Portuguese for “the struggle continues”—a slogan historically associated with anti-colonial and anti-apartheid movements across Africa.
For Orengo, a veteran opposition figure, invoking the phrase signals that the fight for equity, accountability, and genuine reform continues, even amid personal and political losses.
The image underscores continuity in Kenya’s opposition space following Raila Odinga’s passing, which left a significant leadership vacuum within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and the broader political landscape.
ODM Challenges and Orengo’s Stand
Orengo, who stood by Raila through decades of political battles—including the historic 2018 handshake with former President Uhuru Kenyatta, electoral challenges, and anti-government protests—appears to reaffirm that the ideals championed by Babu endure.
He has been navigating ODM’s internal turbulence, including leadership changes, factional conflicts, and alleged external interference aimed at weakening the party.
Despite these challenges, Orengo continues to engage with grassroots initiatives, ranging from empowerment drives in Ugenya to development updates on Siaya’s infrastructure, blending local governance with national resistance rhetoric.
Public Reaction and Political Message
The post has sparked diverse reactions among Kenyans. Supporters praise it as a testament to resilience and principled leadership, demonstrating that commitment persists despite intimidation, arrests of allies, and shifting political alliances.
Critics, however, question the focus on protest symbolism over tangible county development, reflecting a wider national fatigue with prolonged demonstrations.
Orengo’s message goes beyond nostalgia. It is a rallying call for continued pursuit of justice, better governance, and empowerment of ordinary Kenyans.
As ODM debates its future and potential presidential candidates ahead of the 2027 elections, “A luta continua” reminds followers that legacy battles are won through sustained commitment rather than fleeting compromises.
In a period marked by economic pressures, corruption concerns, and questions over political inclusion, Orengo’s gesture underscores that genuine change requires persistence.
While the handshake is a personal reflection, the accompanying slogan broadcasts a collective vow: the struggle continues, and victory remains the ultimate goal.
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