Uhuru Kenyatta Mourns Raila Odinga: “I Have Lost A Friend, A Brother And A Patriot”
By MKT Reporter
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta paid a moving tribute to the late former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga, describing him as a patriot, a friend, and a brother whose passing leaves a deep void in the nation’s soul.
In a heartfelt message of condolence, Mr. Kenyatta said he was “deeply burdened with grief,” calling Mr. Odinga’s death a moment of national silence “where once there was a voice of thunder and conviction.”
“My heart is heavy, and my spirit is burdened with a grief that is both profound and deeply personal,” said Mr. Kenyatta, adding, “To me, Raila was more than a political colleague; he was a defining part of my own journey, in public service and in life.”
Reflecting on their often complex relationship, Mr. Kenyatta recalled the years of political rivalry that defined much of their careers, acknowledging that Mr. Odinga “was a man who made you sharpen your own ideas, compelling you to defend your positions with rigor and passion.”
He said that though they were once fierce competitors, the two leaders later forged a bond built on mutual respect and a shared love for Kenya — culminating in the historic 2018 “Handshake” that ended years of political hostility.
“That journey from fierce political opponents to partners in the pursuit of unity taught me the true measure of the man,” Mr. Kenyatta said. “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.”
The former President said he would remember Mr. Odinga not only for his leadership and resilience but also for his humanity.
“I have lost a friend and a brother,” he said. “I will miss our conversations; sometimes challenging, always insightful — and the fire of belief that never left his eyes.”
Mr. Kenyatta extended his condolences to Mama Ida Odinga, their children, and the entire Odinga family, praising them for sharing “Baba” with the country for a lifetime.
“We have lost a father to the nation, a steadfast champion for the people, and a true son of Kenya,” he said.
Further, he observed, “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.”
He concluded with a solemn farewell:“Rest in peace, my brother. Your work here is done, but your echo will never fade.”
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