Regional and national leaders have joined Kenyans in mourning Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga, who died at the age of 80.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, in a statement on Wednesday, October 15, sent his condolences to Kenyans following Raila’s death.
“On behalf of the Government of Ethiopia, I extend my sincere condolences on the passing of former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga. May he Rest In Peace,” said Ahmed.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi mourned Raila as a towering statesman and a cherished friend of India.
"Deeply saddened by the passing of my dear friend and former Prime Minister of Kenya, Mr. Raila Odinga. He was a towering statesman and a cherished friend of India. I had the privilege of knowing him closely since my days as Chief Minister of Gujarat, and our association continued over the years. He had a special affection for India, our culture, values, and ancient wisdom. This was reflected in his efforts to strengthen India-Kenya ties," said Modi.
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Bungoma Governor Keneth Lusaka eulogized Raila as an enigma whose legacy will be remembered forever in Kenya.
“Farewell to the indomitable Raila Amollo Odinga; an enigma whose spirit, vision, and legacy will live on forever. R.I.P. Baba,” said Lusaka.
Likoni Member of Parliament Mishi Mboko remembered the former premier as his mentor and political pillar.
“I am deeply saddened by the death of my party leader, Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga. He was my mentor, a political pillar, and a model of just leadership in Africa. My heartfelt condolences to Mama Ida Odinga and the entire family. Rest in peace, Baba Agwambo,” she stated.
Former Chief Justice David Maraga, on his part, eulogized Raila as a pan-Africanist, a democrat, and a leader who made significant contributions to democracy in Kenya and in Africa.
“Kenya has lost one of its most formidable leaders who shaped the trajectory of our beloved country. Africa has lost a leading voice in pushing for peace, security, and development. The world has lost a great leader.
“During these difficult times, I pass my deepest condolences to Mama Ida Odinga and the entire Odinga family, to the people of Kibra Constituency, who he represented for many years, to the people of Siaya County, where he hails from and to all of us Kenyans. May the Lord comfort us all as we deal with this enormous blow,” Maraga mourned.
Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa grieved Raila as a resonant leader whose voice carried a calm yet deeply wise and powerful tone.
“Raila Odinga, a luminary whose resonant voice reverberated with the serene gravitas of profound sagacity, whose aura elicited deference sans overt exigency, and whose discerning gaze traversed the vast expanse of international diplomacy with impeccable acuity. Fare thee well, Jakom, fare thee well, our paternal beacon,” the UDA MP stated.
Kiambu Senator Karungo wa Thangwa described Raila’s death as a sad day for Kenya and extended his condolences to the ODM fraternity.
“Sad Day for Kenya! My heart and prayers go to the country and the ODM fraternity. RIP Baba!” said Thang’wa.
Senior Counsel Ahmednasir Abdullahi honored Raila as the most consequential politician in Kenya, adding that he will be missed.
“At the political scene, he left few enemies, some allies, and many orphans. To Mama Ida and the kids...poleni. A political giant has rested,” Abdullahi said.
Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta also paid a glowing tribute to Raila, saying the ODM leader was more than a political colleague to him.
"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.
"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. We have lost a father to the nation, a steadfast champion for the people, and a true son of Kenya," said Uhuru.
Meanwhile, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula has adjourned the Wednesday morning session following the death of Raila.
President William Ruto has, on the other hand, called an emergency meeting of the National Security Council (NSC) at State House, Nairobi.
Raila passed away on Wednesday morning after suffering a cardiac arrest.
The ODM leader collapsed during a morning walk at an Ayurvedic treatment facility in Kerala’s Ernakulam district.
He was rushed to a private hospital in Koothattukulam, where he was pronounced dead at 7:22 am. The former prime minister’s body is currently kept at the hospital.
Raila has left behind a widow and three children.
