NAIROBI — Winnie Odinga, the youngest daughter of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, has shared a deeply personal message following her father’s death, describing him as “a giant” whose influence and love will continue to guide her.
In an emotional tribute posted on social media on Wednesday, October 15, Winnie revealed that she was by her father’s side in his final moments.
“Today, my world stands still. A giant has rested. I held his hand in his final moments, and in his silence, I felt the weight of his legacy and love. A father, a mentor, a compass. My heart is broken, but his light will forever guide me,” she wrote.
Her words capture the closeness between father and daughter — a bond that had become increasingly visible over the years. Winnie often accompanied her father to political rallies and international forums, emerging as a steady presence beside one of Kenya’s most recognisable political figures.
A Nation in Mourning
Raila Odinga, 80, died on Wednesday morning while receiving treatment at a private hospital in Kerala, India. His death prompted a wave of shock and grief across Kenya and beyond.
President William Ruto confirmed the news in an address from State House, calling Raila “one of Africa’s greatest sons.”
“It is with deep sorrow that I inform the nation of the passing of the Right Honourable Raila Amolo Odinga, our former Prime Minister, Kenya’s foremost statesman, and one of Africa’s greatest sons,” President Ruto said.
He declared a seven-day period of national mourning and announced that Raila would be accorded a state funeral. Flags across the country were ordered to fly at half-mast until the day of his burial.
Final Journey Home
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki later outlined the official funeral arrangements, confirming that Raila had expressed a wish to be buried within 72 hours of his death.
“The family informed President Ruto that, according to Raila Odinga’s will, he insisted that he must be buried within the shortest time possible, ideally within 72 hours,” Kindiki said.
A Kenyan government delegation is expected to arrive in Mumbai early Thursday to accompany Raila’s remains home. The body will arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport at around 8:30 a.m., where it will be received with full state honours.
From the airport, the procession will move to Lee Funeral Home before heading to State House for a brief ceremony. Later, the body will lie in state at Parliament Buildings, where Kenyans will have an opportunity to pay their respects.
A national prayer service is scheduled for Friday, October 17, at Nyayo Stadium, followed by memorial events in Kisumu and Bondo. Raila’s final resting place will be at his family home in Kango Ka Jaramogi, beside his father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, and his son, Fidel.
As the country prepares for a farewell of historic scale, Winnie’s tribute has resonated deeply with many Kenyans — a reminder that behind the political giant was a loving father, whose legacy endures not only in history books but in the hearts of those closest to him.