Today Kenyans gathered to celebrate the remarkable life of Raila Amolo Odinga — a son of Kenya whose journey was woven into the very fabric of this nation’s story. To speak of Raila is to speak of courage, conviction, and an unyielding hope that never bowed to despair.
Born in 1945 to Jaramogi Oginga Odinga and Mary Ajuma Odinga, Raila grew up in a home steeped in the spirit of liberation. His father’s service as Kenya’s first Vice President shaped in him a deep love for justice and a restless longing for a freer, fairer country. From his early years, he learned that leadership is not a privilege but a calling — one that demands sacrifice, not comfort.
Raila’s education took him from Maranda High School to East Germany, where he studied engineering. Yet even then, his heart beat for Kenya. Returning home, he brought with him not only skill but a fierce sense of purpose — the conviction that freedom must serve the common good.
In 1973, he married Ida Odinga, his lifelong companion and confidant. Their marriage, spanning over five decades, was one of love, loyalty, and shared struggle. Together they raised their children — Fidel (late), Rosemary, Raila Jr., and Winnie — nurturing them with the same spirit of faith, resilience, and service that defined their parents. In his home, Raila was not the fiery politician the world knew, but a gentle father, a listener, and a man who treasured laughter and family above all.
Raila’s political journey began in the turbulent years when Kenya wrestled with questions of democracy and freedom. His unwavering stand for multi-party democracy came at great personal cost. He endured detention without trial, persecution, and betrayal — yet his spirit remained unbroken. To many, he became a symbol of resilience, a man who bore the nation’s wounds and refused to surrender to bitterness.
He would go on to serve Kenya in many capacities — as Member of Parliament, Minister for Roads, Public Works and Housing, and later as Prime Minister in the grand coalition government of 2008–2013. Through every role, he championed good governance, justice, and equity. One of his lasting legacies remains his instrumental role in delivering Kenya’s 2010 Constitution, a cornerstone of our modern democracy.
Though he vied for the presidency several times, Raila’s measure was never in titles or power, but in the moral authority he carried. He taught us that leadership is service, and that defeat, when borne with dignity, is a victory of the spirit. His life was a lesson in endurance — a long obedience in the same direction.
Raila believed in a Kenya that belongs to all her children — from the fisherman on Lake Victoria to the herder in Turkana, the farmer in Kericho to the student in Kibra. His heart beat for the ordinary people. He gave them a voice and called them brothers and sisters. It is no wonder they fondly called him “Baba.”
Behind the public figure stood a man of deep faith and humour, one who loved a good conversation, an evening with friends, and moments of quiet reflection. His strength lay not only in his boldness but in his tenderness — the ability to forgive, to hope again, and to believe that Kenya could still rise.
In his final days, Raila remained true to himself — disciplined, thoughtful, and at peace. He passed away on 15 October 2025, after his morning walk, surrounded by love and prayer. His daughter Winnie shared that he died in her arms, a fitting image of a father and patriot who had given his all.
Today, as Kenya mourns him, we also give thanks. We thank God for a life poured out like an offering — for the miles walked, the prisons endured, the battles fought, and the hope kept alive. We thank God for a leader who refused to give up on his country, even when the path was hard.
Raila Amolo Odinga leaves behind his beloved wife Ida, his children and grandchildren, his extended family, and millions across Kenya and beyond who were touched by his courage and grace.
He leaves us with a challenge — to live with integrity, to serve without fear, and to keep the dream of a just and united Kenya alive.
Farewell, Baba. You ran your race with endurance. You fought the good fight. You kept the faith.
May your legacy shine in the hearts of all who still dare to believe in the Kenya you dreamed of.
Rest in peace, Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga — servant, statesman, and son of Africa.