Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has warned against the reversal of democratic freedoms Kenyans enjoy that were fought for by the late Raila Odinga, a staunch campaigner and defender of democracy.
Speaking Friday during the State Funeral of the later former Prime Minister, Kenyatta described Raila one of the key founders of shaping Kenya’s democratic journey and a man who never got tired in defending his country.
“As Kenyans, we won’t allow human rights, our democracy and everything else Raila fought for to be reversed,” said the former Head of State.
“Kenya’s story cannot be written without Raila Amolo Odinga. He was there when the call for multiparty democracy was dangerous. He was there when we needed voices to push for reform,” said the former Head of State.
Known as the people’s leader and the champion of democracy, Uhuru said that Raila’s name will forever be remembered in our nation’s history paying tribute to whom he described as a brother as someone who has joined the greats who stood to defend the freedoms we enjoy.
“My brother Raila has joined the greats who came before us. They are now watching over us, urging us to stay true to the values they fought for. As long as I live, I will stand to defend the freedoms Raila Odinga fought for. We owe him that,” he added.
Uhuru eulogized the late Odinga as “a patriot who loved his country more than anything” and a man whose name would forever be etched in the story of Kenya.
“We gather here today to celebrate the life of a friend and brother, Raila Amolo Odinga; a patriot who loved his country, Kenya, more than anything. A father to all, he was without tribalism and loved all citizens, not because of their tribe or skin color, but for their thoughts, their actions, and their opinions.” Kenyatta said.
He hailed Raila Odinga’s lifelong fight for democracy, justice, and unity, describing him as a leader who gave voice to the voiceless and embodied the struggle for equality.
“The history of Kenya cannot be written without the name of Raila Odinga being number one,” he noted. “He may have left us physically, but in our hearts and in our nation, he will live forever” remarked Kenyatta as he eulogised Odinga.
Kenyatta urged Kenyans to remain steadfast in defending the values that Raila Odinga stood for, saying, “As we sing the National Anthem, we must never allow the clamour for social justice, human rights, and democracy to roll back. We must move forward as Raila always did.”
