Former President Uhuru Kenyatta left the crowd at Nyayo Stadium cheerful and laughing on Friday after sharing a heartwarming story of light moments with former Prime Minister Raila Odinga during their time working together.
Speaking at the State Funeral on Friday, October 17, 2025, Uhuru recalled intimate moments when he and Raila would unwind after work, sharing what he playfully described as a ' small thing’.
"I have a short story. You know, sometimes after work, Raila and I just chill, we would be given a small thing -'drink,'" Uhuru said, prompting laughter from the crowd.
Sensing the audience's reaction, he quickly clarified,"Why are you laughing? By small things, I mean porridge and tea."
The humorous moment provided a glimpse into the personal friendship that developed between the two leaders following their historic 2018 Handshake, which ended months of political tension after the disputed 2017 presidential election.
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Uhuru revealed that during these relaxed moments, he and Raila would often reflect on the legendary African leaders who came before them and wonder what they might think of their efforts.
"We would wonder about all those who came before us. Julius Nyerere, Jaramogi Oginga, Jomo Kenyatta. And we would wonder what they talk about when they look down on us? Do they laugh at the things we are doing, at the plans we make as we try to accomplish things? That is what we would ask ourselves," Uhuru said.
The former president imagined Raila now among those great leaders they used to discuss, engaging in conversations with the icons of Africa's liberation struggle.
"Now I'm wondering if my brother, Raila, has left before me. I know you are already in conversation. What are you saying to them? I'm in no rush to join you, but I pray to God to keep us long," he said.
Beyond the lighthearted anecdote, Uhuru delivered a powerful commitment to safeguard the democratic freedoms and unity that Raila spent his lifetime fighting for, urging Kenyans to protect the nation's hard-won political gains.
"Raila Odinga loved this country more than anything else. He was a father to all, a man who saw no tribe and stood for every Kenyan. As we bid him farewell, we must promise ourselves that the freedoms, rights, and democracy he fought for will never be taken away from us," the former president said.
The former president emphasized that Raila's name would forever be inscribed in Kenya's history as one of the architects of the nation's democratic transformation.
"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. He never gave up," Uhuru said.
Uhuru's tribute was one of several emotional moments at the State Funeral, which drew thousands of mourners and dignitaries from across the world to Nyayo National Stadium.
Earlier in the ceremony, Raila's daughter Winnie revealed that she was with her father when he took his last breath, disclosing that he had completed five rounds of walking that morning before passing away peacefully in her arms.
Dr. Oburu Oginga, Raila's elder brother, delivered a moving tribute peppered with humor, including a lighthearted introduction of his two wives that drew laughter from mourners.
Right Reverend Prof. David Hellington Kodia delivered a powerful sermon condemning corrupt politicians, declaring that anyone who has looted the country stands condemned and urging Kenyans to embrace the values of justice and integrity that Raila embodied.
President William Ruto and First Lady Rachel Ruto attended the ceremony, along with foreign dignitaries including Ethiopian President Taye Atsé Selassie, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, and former Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete.
