Academy Award-winning actress Lupita Nyon’go is “standing with Kenyans” in their moment of grief following the death of the former Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga.
Odinga died in the early hours of October 15 of cardiac arrest in India at the age of 80, surrounded by his family. His remains were flown back by the National carrier Kenya Airways, and his flag-draped casket was received with full military honours.
Upon the announcement of his death, President William Ruto said that flags would fly at half-mast as the country observed a seven-day mourning period. The President also accorded the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader a state funeral.
In her statement, the “Us” actress remembered Raila as a hero, a title many have given him following his passing. The ODM leader has been remembered as the courageous and selfless leader he was, especially when it came to the fight for democracy during the Moi regime.
“I join Kenyans in mourning the passing of the great Hon. Raila Odinga. I knew him from up close as one of my father’s dearest friends, and also as a hero to the nation,” she said.
Beyond remembering him as the enigma he was to many Kenyans and Africans, Lupita shared that Raila was a close family friend.
“He was there for my dad and for our family in our moments of celebration and of grief. He shared our family’s milestones, and we his,” she said.
With the conclusion of the public viewing of his body held on Thursday at the Kasarani stadium and the National Memorial service held at the Nyayo Stadium on Friday, Raila’s remains will be transported to his political stronghold Kisumu on Saturday for another public viewing.
Lupita’s father, Professor Anyang Nyong’o, the Governor of Kisumu, is expected to receive his remains once they land in the county.
As such, the actress also shared the Governor’s statement to highlight how integral Raila was to the country. The governor’s statement read in part:
“Raila was never just a politician. He was a movement. A rhythm in our national heartbeat. A voice that thundered in parliament, whispered in prison cells, and sang from the streets of Kibra to the hearts of millions. His was a life poured out — fully, completely — in service of a better Kenya.
“He was imprisoned, vilified, betrayed, but never broken. Never silent. Never afraid.
“He stood tall, not because he sought power, but because he was power…”
To conclude her statement, Lupita comforted the Odinga family.
“Rest in peace, Uncle Raila. My comfort to the whole Odinga family as they come to terms with this monumental loss.”
