Kenya, 17 October - President William Ruto on Friday led African leaders and dignitaries in paying their final respects to the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga during a solemn state requiem mass at Nyayo National Stadium, Nairobi.
Odinga, who passed away on 15 October in India at the age of 80 after a short illness, was honoured as one of Africa’s most resilient champions of democracy and reform.
His death has plunged Kenya and the wider continent into mourning.
Among those in attendance were former President Uhuru Kenyatta, Somalia President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, former Tanzanian President Mrisho Jakaya Kikwete, and South Sudan’s Vice President Rebecca Nyandeng Garang.
Delegations from Uganda, Tanzania, and Malawi also joined Kenyans in paying tribute to the veteran opposition leader.
Odinga’s widow, Mama Ida Odinga, delivered a deeply emotional tribute, describing her late husband as “a father to many” and recalled the good memories and tribulations during their 52-year marriage.
“During our union, we were blessed with four children,” she said.
“Our first was Fidel Castro Odhiambo Odinga, a name he chose out of admiration for Fidel Castro. Later came Rosemary, named after both our mothers.”
Their lastborn daughter, Winnie Odinga, moved the crowd with a heartfelt account of her father’s final moments in India.
“I was with him when he took his last breath. He died strong, with dignity and pride,” she said.
“Every day he pushed himself — one round of walking, then two, then five that final morning. That’s the Raila Odinga we should remember…resilient, proud, and full of life.
Former President Kenyatta hailed Odinga as a “father to all” and a man whose name would forever be tied to Kenya’s democratic journey.
“Raila was not tribal — he loved all Kenyans. He was not only my friend but a brother to me. Kenya’s history of democracy and human rights cannot be written without his name,” said Mr Kenyatta.
In his tribute, President Ruto praised Odinga’s courage, selflessness, and lifelong commitment to unity.
“Raila Odinga’s courage inspired change, and his vision shaped destinies,” Dr Ruto said.
“I never imagined that one day he would stand with me to steady the nation. To you, Baba, I owe you. I am eternally grateful that our paths crossed.”
He added, “Whenever the nation needed him to rise above self, he did so unreservedly. He was steadfast in his dream of a just, prosperous, and united Kenya - a nation where opportunity belongs to all.”
The late Odinga, who dedicated over four decades to public service and democratic reform, is being accorded a full State Funeral in recognition of his contribution to Kenya’s political evolution.
He will be laid to rest on Sunday at his ancestral home in Bondo, Siaya County.
