Orengo Mourns Driver Who Risked His Life to Ferry Opposition Leaders During Second Liberation

Siaya County Governor James Orengo has paid tribute to Mzee Julius Maina Kago following his death at the age of 75, describing him as an unsung hero who played a key role in the country’s struggle for multi-party democracy.

In a statement dated July 9, Orengo said Mzee Kago died on Tuesday, July 7, at King David Hospital in Ngong’, adding that his death coincided with the 36th anniversary of the historic Saba Saba movement.

“It is with profound sadness and a heavy heart that I have learned of the passing of Mzee Julius Maina Kago, who rested on Tuesday, July 7th, 2026, at King David Hospital in Ng’ong’, coinciding poetically, yet painfully, with the 36th anniversary of Saba Saba. He was 75,” James Orengo stated.

James Orengo Honors Driver Who Ferried Opposition Leaders in 1991

He also recalled Kago’s role during Kenya’s Second Liberation, saying he risked his life in November 1991 when the KANU government had banned public political gatherings.

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According to Orengo, Mzee Kago courageously ferried opposition leaders, including the late Martin Shikuku, Masinde Muliro, Phillip Gachoka, and Orengo himself, to the historic Kamukunji Grounds despite the risks posed by the state.

He further added that the Toyota Stout pickup used during the journey, then owned by Kago’s employer, Hezekiel Gachu, became an enduring symbol of resistance and the fight for multi-party democracy.

Additionally, James Orengo said Mzee Kago was the only surviving person among those who rode in the back of the historic pickup during the Kamukunji rally.

“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,” he said.

Pledge to Continue With Mzee Kago’s Legacy

The Siaya governor also described the late driver as a patriot who placed himself in danger to help secure the freedoms that Kenyans enjoy today.

“We have lost a patriot who stood in the spotlight of danger so that Kenyans could breathe the air of freedom,” he stated.

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 He said that Mzee Kago had always envisioned a free and just Kenya and pledged to continue pursuing the democratic ideals for which he stood.

“Mzee Kago wished for nothing less than a completely liberated, fair Kenya. I promise him, and I promise you, that I will continue to fight for Kenyans to the bitter end. Rest in Power, Comrade!” read part of the tribute.

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A photo of Mzee Julius Kago. Photo/ James Orengo / X