President William Ruto, Friday led Kenyans and international dignitaries in honouring the late former Prime Minister (PM), Raila Amolo Odinga, during a National Funeral Service held at the Nyayo National Stadium.
President Ruto described the former PM as a statesman whose courage, vision and lifelong dedication to democracy and justice, transformed Kenya’s political landscape.
The President said Odinga’s unwavering pursuit of fairness and inclusivity had left an indelible mark on the country and the African continent.
“Kenya, in this moment of sorrow, shares in your inexpressible grief, he may no longer walk with us, but his spirit lives within every Kenyan and every African. Such was the depth of his influence that even in his absence, his presence will forever be felt,” he said.
Ruto lauded Odinga as a fearless reformer, who stood firm for his beliefs through years of persecution and sacrifice.
“Whenever Kenya needed the voice of reason or the hand of reconciliation, Raila was readily there, he covered this nation with courage and dedication, proving that progress demands conviction and sacrifice,” he said.
The Head of State urged Kenyans to honour Odinga’s memory by upholding peace, national unity, and the values of justice Raila championed throughout his life.
The solemn service, attended by leaders from across the political divide and representatives of the international community, was marked by hymns, interfaith prayers, and tributes, celebrating Odinga’s contribution to Kenya’s democratic growth.
Mama Ida Odinga paid an emotional tribute to her husband, recalling their 52 years together, as a journey of love, courage and public service.
She urged Kenyans to uphold peace and unity as a way of honouring his life. “We need peace in our homes and in our nation,” she said.
“Let us not rise in anger, but in understanding, for peace cannot survive in bitterness,” she added.
Ida described her late husband as a compassionate leader and family man, who lived with humility and sincerity.
“He taught us to live humbly, to forgive and to love our country deeply,” she said. “For him, Kenya always came first,” Mama Ida narrated.
She added that Odinga’s dream was for a united and prosperous Kenya, guided by mutual respect and shared purpose.
“We are all Kenyans, brothers and sisters, let us act Kenyan, live in peace and teach our children to do the same,” she said.
Dr Oburu Oginga, Raila’s elder brother, revealed that the opposition leader died on October 15, a day that also marked his own birthday.
“Unfortunately, my brother passed on my birthday, which is 15th October,” he said, adding that the loss carried deep personal pain.
Dr Oburu shared warm recollections of their early years growing up together in Bondo, Sakwa, under the care of their grandmother, who instilled in them discipline and life skills.
“When we were growing up together with my brother, we were in Bondo, Sakwa though we were born in Maseno,” he recalled.
“Our mother taught us to fetch firewood, cook and even wash clothes. She told us, ‘You my boys are also my girls, you must learn to do everything,” Dr Oburu recounted.
He described Raila not just as a brother, but as his closest companion.
“Raila was more than a brother to me. He was my friend, my age mate, my advisor, and my confidant,” he said.
“We grew up together more or less as twins because the difference between me and my brother is only one year and two months,” Dr Oburu added.
Dr Oburu’s recollection painted a deeply human portrait of the man many regarded as a political giant, revealing a side of Raila shaped by humility, family and shared struggle.
Winnie Odinga, also spoke passionately about her father’s influence, describing him as “light, steady, healing, and deeply human.”
She said he was a loving parent whose wisdom and humour, shaped the family and inspired countless young people across the nation.
“To the world, he was known by many names, but to us, he was simply our dad,” she said.
“He taught me that justice must be pursued even when the path is lonely. Each time he fell, he rose again, always choosing goodness and hope,” she added.
Winnie said her father’s life was a lesson in resilience and faith, noting that he lived with compassion and strength, even during the most difficult political times.
“He guided us, loved us and left us strong and proud, just as he wanted our generation to be,” she said.
Raila Odinga Junior, described his father as a man of integrity, whose commitment to justice came at great personal cost.
“My father was many things to many people, but to us, he was simply dad, he stood for what he believed was right, even when it came at great personal and family cost,” he said.
He pledged to carry forward his father’s ideals and protect the unity of the Odinga family.
“He was my hero, and I am proud to be my father’s son,” Junior said.
“Dad, I promise to take care of our family mum, Rosie, Winnie and your larger political family too,” he said.
Messages of condolence and solidarity poured in from across the world, with Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan, describing Odinga as “a visionary whose courage and influence transcended borders.”
The African Union and other regional organisations, hailed him as “a pillar of democracy and human rights”, whose impact would continue to shape Africa’s political discourse.
As the ceremony drew to a close, clergy from various faiths led prayers for the nation, while the National Anthem, was played in his honor.
The crowd observed a moment of silence before breaking into songs of unity and hope, including Raila’s favourite tune, “Jamaica Farewell,” by Harry Bellafonte, in a fitting farewell to a leader many described as the conscience of the nation.
“The biggest part of me died on October 15, 2025, but the spirit of the lion roars on forever. The King is dead but long live the crown,” Winnie said.
By Naif Rashid
