Farewell to the Patriot Raila Odinga

The passing of the Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga has left a profound void, not just in the halls of power, but in the very soul of Kenya. We mourn not just a former Prime Minister, but a true Lion of our democracy, whose unwavering commitment to justice and peace is forever etched in the history of our republic.

His was a life spent in tireless service, a journey of sacrifice where he repeatedly placed national peace and cohesion above his personal comfort. In moments of great national peril, he was the steady hand that made the agonizing, yet necessary, decisions to pull our nation back from the brink. This deep, abiding love for Kenya was his creed; his only tribe was Kenya, and patriotism his native tongue.

For those of us who knew him personally, the loss is heartbreaking. He possessed a rare and beautiful gift: a heart that genuinely carried the burdens of others, always offering a smile and an assurance that better days were ahead. He was a visionary whose dreams were not confined to his birthplace in the lake region but spanned every corner of this nation. His monumental sacrifices are now part of our most treasured national narrative.

The absence of his compassion will be acutely felt. The Dedan Kimathi family and countless Mau Mau war veterans have lost a true friend who listened to their cries with deep care, relentlessly advocating for their recognition, compensation, and dignity. His actions were a powerful testament to his character, speaking volumes where words often fail.

No tribute can fully capture the depth of the values he instilled, the love and unity he championed, or the colossal gap he bravely stood in to avert national disaster.

As we unite in this wave of sorrow, we mourn a hero, a genuine friend, and a just son of Kenyan soil. Our deepest prayers and heartfelt condolences go out to his beloved wife, Mama Idah Odinga, and the entire family. May they find the fortitude and grace to navigate this dark cloud of grief hovering over them.

Farewell, Baba. May your spirit rest in eternal peace.