Kenyans, world leaders mourn Raila Odinga

Kenyans and world leaders are mourning the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

Odinga, aged 80, died while undergoing treatment in India, according to his family. His death on Wednesday morning ignited a national wave of mourning for a man widely regarded as the country’s most influential opposition leader.

“The loss of Baba has saddened me, my entire family, my supporters and all Kenyans,” said Kisauni MP Rashid Bedzimba, who recalled guarding Mr Odinga while he was detained. “He was a great leader and friend. We hope the precious memories, legacy and leadership will live on in our hearts. Pumzika kwa Amani (rest in peace), Captain!”

The Cabinet Secretary of the National Treasury and former ODM chairman John Mbadi described Odinga as “a towering African democratic giant and a fighter for social justice, as well as a mentor and a father. He died a peaceful man who put the interests of the country above everything else,” he said.

COTU secretary-general Francis Atwoli said that Mr Odinga’s death leaves a void in Kenyan politics.

“Raila has always been the glue that held our country together during moments of political unrest,” he said. “He rose above divisions to unite us as Kenyans.”

Tributes poured in from across the world. Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed offered his condolences “On behalf of the government and people of Ethiopia”, describing Odinga as a visionary leader and Pan-Africanist.

“May he rest in peace,” he said.

Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale mourned “a political giant and great man”, while Isiolo Governor Abdi Guyo called Mr Odinga ‘a towering statesman and patriot whose courage and conviction will remain an enduring inspiration’.

Human rights defender
In a message delivered in Kiswahili, Senator Issa Boy Juma said: “Raila Odinga will be remembered as a defender of the common people and a steadfast voice for justice and accountability. His vision will remain a guide for generations to come. Lala salama Baba wa Taifa (Rest well, father of the nation).”

Salim Lone, a veteran journalist and longtime adviser to Mr Odinga, said that Kenya had lost “the one leader who made the greatest sacrifices for freedom and equality”.

“Millions of hearts have been broken,” he said. ‘Even without holding power, Raila expanded democracy and inclusion for the struggling masses.’

Former Chief Justice David Maraga described Odinga as “a patriot, democrat and Pan-Africanist who made significant contributions to democracy in Kenya and Africa”.

“Africa has lost a leading voice for peace, security and development,” he said. “The world has lost a great leader.”

Mombasa Senator Faki Mohamed said that the nation had lost more than just a political leader; it had lost ‘a symbol of reform, hope and courage’.

He described Odinga as ‘a towering figure in our political landscape, a relentless advocate for democracy, a true patriot, and a mentor to many leaders’. Offering condolences on behalf of his family, the senator said that Kenyans must now come to terms with ‘a profound national loss’, adding that Odinga’s legacy would ‘continue to inspire generations to come’.

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed led the international tributes, describing Odinga as ‘a visionary leader and pan-Africanist whose voice transcended borders’.

The PM said Odinga’s commitment to democracy, peace and regional unity had left a mark far beyond Kenya’s borders.

“Raila Odinga’s contributions to the pursuit of democratic ideals and African solidarity will remain a guiding light for our continent,” he said, concluding with the words, “May his soul rest in eternal peace.” “May his soul rest in eternal peace.”

Businessman Jimi Wanjigi said he was “deeply heartbroken” by the death of his “dear friend and brother”. Mr Wanjigi reminisced about their years of shared struggle, describing Odinga as “the spirit of our nation’s second liberation, a man whose love for Kenya burned brighter than fear”.