Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has joined leaders and Kenyans in mourning the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Odinga died in India while receiving medical treatment. The hospital in Kochi city, where he passed away, said he suffered a cardiac arrest.
In a long, emotional tribute on Wednesday, October 15, Uhuru mourned Raila as both a brother and a friend. He stated that Raila was more than just a political colleague; he was a defining part of his journey.
The fourth president recalled how the two, once political rivals, became friends following their handshake in 2018.
Uhuru described Raila Odinga as a formidable opponent who was an even more invaluable ally in the cause of reconciliation.
He added that Raila’s legacy is not only in the political battles he fought but also in the peace he helped build—a legacy etched into the very fabric of the nation.
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Uhuru Mourns Raila Odinga in Long, Emotional Tribute
Here’s the Full tribute:
“My heart is heavy, and my spirit is burdened with a grief that is both profound and deeply personal. The news of Raila’s passing has left a silence that echoes across our nation, a silence where once there was a voice of thunder and conviction.
To me, Raila was more than a political colleague; he was a defining part of my own journey, in public service and in life. Raila and I were navigators on opposing currents, charting different courses for the nation we both loved. At some point along that journey, we became political opponents and often, the weight of that competition felt immense.
Baba, as we fondly referred to him, was a man who made you sharpen your own ideas, compelling you to defend your positions with rigor and passion. However, in the recent years, a different bond was forged; one of respect, of shared patriotism, and a common desire to see a united Kenya.
That journey from fierce political opponents to partners in the pursuit of “Handshake” unity taught me the true measure of the man. I saw firsthand his unwavering passion for this country, his deep-seated belief in justice, and his incredible capacity to think beyond personal ambition for the sake of national peace.
Also Read: World Leaders Mourn Raila Odinga
He was a formidable opponent, but he was an even more invaluable ally in the cause of reconciliation. I have lost a friend and a brother. I will miss our conversations sometimes challenging, always insightful and the fire of belief that never left his eyes. To Mama Ida, the children, and the entire Odinga family, I extend my deepest, most heartfelt condolences.
You have shared Baba with Kenya for a lifetime, and we mourn with you. We have lost a father to the nation, a steadfast champion for the people, and a true son of Kenya.
His legacy is not just in the political battles he fought, but in the peace he helped build. It is etched in the very fabric of our nation. Rest in peace, my friend. Your work here is done, but your echo will never fade.
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