Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has delivered an emotional tribute to former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who passed away on Wednesday morning in India.
Describing Raila as “a friend, a brother, and a father to the nation,” Kenyatta expressed his profound sorrow over the loss.
In his heartfelt statement, Kenyatta remarked, “I have lost a friend and a brother. I will miss our conversations, sometimes challenging, always insightful, and the fire of belief that never left his eyes,” he said
According to Uhuru, the country has “lost a father to the nation,”
Kenyatta, who supported Raila’s candidacy in the 2022 general elections, praised him as “a steadfast champion for the people and a true son of Kenya.”
He noted that Raila’s legacy extends beyond the political battles he fought; it includes “the peace he helped build.”
“His legacy is etched in the very fabric of our nation,” he added.
The former Head of State described Raila’s passing as one that “has left a silence that echoes across our nation, a silence where once there was a voice of thunder and conviction.” He reflected on how their relationship evolved from fierce rivalry to mutual respect and cooperation.
“Raila and I were navigators on opposing currents, charting different courses for the nation we both loved. At some point along that journey, we became political opponents and often, the weight of that competition felt immense,” he said.
He described Odinga as a leader who challenged those around him to think deeply and defend their ideas with conviction.
“Baba was a man who made you sharpen your own ideas, compelling you to defend your positions with rigor and passion,” he stated.
He also recalled their historic reconciliation through the 2018 Handshake, which ended one of Kenya’s most divisive political chapters.
“In recent years, a different bond was forged, one of respect, of shared patriotism, and a common desire to see a united Kenya. That journey from fierce political opponents to partners in the pursuit of unity taught me the true measure of the man,” he said.
Kenyatta praised Raila’s unwavering passion for justice, his deep love for the country, and his willingness to think beyond personal ambition for the sake of peace.
“He was a formidable opponent but an even more invaluable ally in the cause of reconciliation,” Kenyatta added.
The former president extended his condolences to Raila’s wife, Mama Ida Odinga, and the entire Odinga family.
“To Mama Ida, the children, and the entire Odinga family, I extend my deepest, most heartfelt condolences. You have shared Baba with Kenya for a lifetime, and we mourn with you,” expressed Uhuru.
“Rest in peace, my brother. Your work here is done, but your echo will never fade,” he concluded in his farewell message.
