Winnie Odinga, the youngest daughter of the former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga, took a moment while giving her tribute to her father to correct the misinformation that has been circulating online about Raila’s final moments.
Taking a breath to calm her emotions, Winnie, who spoke proudly of her father during the National Memorial Service held at the Nyayo National Stadium, was keen to dispel the rumours of her father’s trip to India.
“He did not die like people have been saying on social media,” she said.
Winnie was referencing comments that have been circulating on the internet claiming that the former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga, died alone in India at the age of 80. The rumours were sparked by CCTV footage that showed Raila walking around the treatment facility with his bodyguard, Maurice Ogeto, before falling to the ground.
Explaining the footage, Winnie said the morning walk was part of his daily routine while he was at the Ayurvedic facility in India.
“Every day he was waking up and walking, and the next day he would push two rounds. That morning, he pushed to five rounds,” Winnie said.
Further misinformation online claimed that Raila had died a “lonely man” without his family present, sentiments that Winnie was quick to disprove.
“Fellow mourners, I was with him in India when he took his last breath. He died in my arms,” she said with passion.
She also urged Kenyans to be proud because he died with “dignity.”
“He died strong. And with dignity. And with pride. And you must be proud of that,” she said. “You all must walk with your heads held high and walk strong and proud that he left as a gentleman.”
“The King is dead, but long live the crown!”
Beyond correcting rumours, Winnie referred to Kenya’s beloved leader fondly as “dad” in her tribute and hailed him as a true example of leadership and sacrifice.
“I learned from him that love for country is not just in words, but in sacrifice. That justice must be pursued even when the path is lonely. That true leadership is service — not power,” she said.
She also referred to Raila as a graceful and peaceful leader.
“I watched him at his best, I watched him fall and rise again — each time with grace, forgiveness and hope. He taught us that defeat is not failure; that conviction is not arrogance and that peace is always greater than pride,” she said.
Celebrating the legacy he left to his supporters and to the country as a whole, she urged the country to “take heart.”
“Millions of you are in despair, but take heart, because he left a plan for you too. He led all of us, he taught us, he carried us, we know what he expects from all of us and we shall rise together in his honour,” she said.
Giving a glimpse into the former Premier’s private life, Winnie called him a gentle family man.
“At home, he was gentle and humorous — he loved storytelling, music and the simple joy of family… He loved Saphie, Allay, Senayi Laiyon and Jara with all his heart and he sang his love to his grandchildren.
“Even in the busiest moments of national duty, he would send me to check on all of you. I now know it was to remind us to stay grounded, for me to teach you how to dream boldly and to always stand firm for what is right.”
In conclusion, she celebrated his enduring legacy, calling him a “lion” and a “king.”
“Today, as we celebrate his life, I choose to remember not only the leader the world knew, but the father I loved with every fibre of my being. 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!”
