RAILA ODINGA: Leaders, Kenyans pay tribute

Farouk Kibet, PA to President William Ruto

It is with deep sorrow that I join the family, fellow Kenyans, and the world at large in mourning the sudden passing of the enigma, Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga.

Raila will be remembered as a true champion of the Second Liberation and multiparty democracy, a statesman who consistently set aside personal interests for the good of our nation.

The former Prime Minister will be dearly missed, both here in Kenya and beyond our borders, for his rich wisdom, political insight, and unwavering commitment to justice and unity.

I had the privilege of sharing many moments with Baba over the past three decades, and words cannot fully describe his kindness, humility, and generosity.

Lastly, as the Patron of the Great Chepsaita Cross Country Run, I had invited him to be the Chief Guest for our 3rd edition on December 6th, an invitation he had graciously accepted.

May his soul rest in eternal peace.

Ken Lusaka, Governor of Bungoma

Today, Kenya mourns the passing of one of her greatest sons Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga.

For decades, Raila stood tall in the storm ;a man driven not by personal gain but by a deep and abiding love for his country. He was a fighter for freedom, a voice for the voiceless, and a symbol of courage for generations that dared to dream of a fairer, more just Kenya.

I was privileged to know Raila personally. Behind the firm handshake and the commanding voice was a man of warmth, humor, and deep humanity. He carried the scars of struggle but never allowed bitterness to dim his hope. His belief in Kenya , in her people and in her promise ;never wavered.

Even when the road was rough, Raila taught us that leadership is not about the easy moments, but about standing tall when it matters most. He reminded us that democracy is not a gift handed down, but a right fought for, nurtured, and defended.

To Mama Ida and the entire Odinga family , we stand with you in this moment of grief. And to the people of Kenya , let us honor Raila’s memory not just in words, but through the work we do to build the nation he dreamed of: united, free, and full of opportunity for all.

May the Almighty rest his soul in eternal peace.
Farewell, Jakom. You ran your race with courage. You gave your all.

Bobi Wine, Uganda Opposition leader

We have received the news of the passing of Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga with great sadness. He stood tall for freedom, liberty, and dignity.

In him, we have lost a great statesman – an African giant, who did his best for humanity amidst great adversity.

Deepest condolences to the great people of Kenya and all pro-democracy forces around the world. May his soul rest in peace.

Lee Kinyanjui, Cabinet Secretary Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry.

I did not know Raila as a friend for a long time. For years, he was on the other side, and our paths rarely crossed, until the last election.

Then came a call from former President Uhuru Kenyatta, informing me that a friend was visiting Nakuru and should be received with the full honour and protocol of a state guest.

That moment marked the beginning of a meaningful journey, one where we bonded and shared deep reflections about our country and the future that the next generation deserves.

Raila was a pragmatic and dedicated statesman who always saw the best in Kenya. In his final chapter, he devoted himself selflessly to healing the political wounds that have long divided us, and in many ways, he succeeded.

Jakom, we salute your courage, conviction, and unwavering commitment to a better Kenya.

Rigathi Gachagua, ex-Deputy President

Baba Raila Odinga, may you rest well. To the family, your spouse Mama Ida Odinga and your children, my family and I join you in prayer during this difficult moment. My deepest sympathies to you and to the people of the Republic of Kenya.

The enigma Baba, the father of our democracy and a formidable hero of Kenya’s 2nd liberation, you stood tall and strong in intellect, knowledge and quest for democracy. You faced brutal regimes’ brutality, you were tortured, jailed, abducted and detained severally for Kenya. When the history of Africa’s Pan-Africanism is written, your chapter as the indefatigable lion of Africa will attract many readers.

You dedicated your life in the service of humanity: as a political activist, a Civil Servant, a University Lecturer, an MP, a Party Leader, a Cabinet Minister, a Prime Minister and many other fronts. On all these, your trail of success and impact remains indelible.

Kenyans will not only remember your craft in resilience, persistence and democratic values days on but also your voice during difficult moments.

It will be remembered that you were at the forefront in the fight for Kenya’s democracy and liberation of Kenya on many firsts. Most profoundly, Kenya’s multiparty democracy and the Constitution of Kenya 2010, a race you strongly stood in for and we the people of Kenya shall never forget.

Much as we have never been on the same political side, I have had a strong admiration of Raila Odinga’s art of forming and sustaining a strong political party that survived 4 general elections. I remain amazed by his choice of quality legislators to fly the party flag and eloquently articulate party policies and the people they represented.

You are a hero celebrated home and away; you have not gone Raila Odinga, you have just faded away.

Rest in peace Baba and may perpetual light shine upon you forever.

Moussa Faki Mahamat, Former AUC Chairman

It is with deep sorrow that I learned of the passing of the late Hon Raila Amolo Odinga, former Prime Minister of Kenya & PanAfrican statesman.

A fearless leader, Raila Odinga shaped the political trajectory of his country. A strong advocate for Continental integration, he also served the Continent as High Representative for Infrastructure Development.

My deepest condolences to his family, the People and Government of Kenya.