Siaya Governor and ODM de facto party leader James Orengo has paid a glowing tribute to veteran democracy activist Julius Maina Kago.
In a heartfelt condolence message following Kago’s death on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at King David Hospital in Ngong’, he described him as an unsung hero whose courage helped shape Kenya’s struggle for multiparty democracy.
Orengo said the 75-year-old passed away on the 36th anniversary of the historic Saba Saba movement, a date he described as both symbolic and poignant.
He recalled Kago’s pivotal role during the pro-democracy struggle in November 1991, when the KANU government had outlawed public gatherings.
Orengo said Kago risked his life and livelihood by driving opposition leaders, including the late Martin Shikuku, Masinde Muliro, Phillip Gachoka and Orengo himself, to the historic Kamukunji Grounds for a rally that became a defining moment in Kenya’s Second Liberation.
According to Orengo, the Toyota Stout pickup that Kago drove, then owned by his employer, Hezekiel Gachu became a powerful symbol of resistance against authoritarian rule and the country’s quest for political pluralism.
He also praised Kago’s personal resilience, noting that he later rose from being an employee to owning his own vehicle through hard work and determination.
“As the sole survivor of those who rode in the back of that historic pickup into the eye of the storm, I feel the weight of his departure deeply,” Orengo said.
He extended his condolences to Kago’s family, friends and comrades, saying Kenya had lost a patriot who placed himself in harm’s way so that future generations could enjoy freedom and democratic rights.
Orengo pledged to continue championing the ideals that Kago fought for, saying the fallen liberation hero had envisioned a fully liberated and just Kenya.”Rest in power, Comrade,” he added.
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