A sombre mood gripped the nation following the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, a towering figure in Kenyan politics and a symbol of resilience for millions.
From the streets of Kisumu to the corridors of power in Nairobi, Kenyans mourned the man many called Baba, even as attention shifted to preparations for a State funeral and the long goodbye to one of the nation’s most influential leaders. He played a pivotal role in shaping Kenya’s political landscape and mentoring many of its past and present leaders, including President William Ruto.
Throughout the day, tributes poured in from across the political divide, hailing Odinga as a liberator, Pan-Africanist, and tireless advocate for democracy. From the corridors of power to the streets, Kenyans reflected on his life and legacy.
President Ruto, in a televised address on Wednesday, announced Odinga’s death and declared seven days of national mourning and a State funeral. He described him as ‘a colossus of Kenya’s modern politics, an indomitable warrior in our struggle for freedom and prosperity.’
‘In his passing, we have lost a patriot of uncommon courage – a Pan-Africanist who offered a compelling model of principled politics,’ President Ruto said.
In Nairobi, Mama Ida Odinga, the widow of the former Prime Minister, broke her silence outside their Karen home.
‘I know you’re all upset. We didn’t expect it to happen this way, but it has already happened,’ she told supporters before retreating into the house, flanked by ODM party leaders.
Hundreds of supporters, many weeping and waving twigs to ward off bad omens, gathered at the home to pay their respects.
Across Odinga’s other political strongholds in Siaya, and Homa Bay, similar scenes unfolded – processions, mourning songs, and chants of resistance blending into a shared outpouring of grief. For many, Wednesday was not just a day of mourning but the beginning of a reckoning – with grief, history, and a future suddenly uncertain without Baba.
In a statement, the Orange Democratic Movement called Odinga ‘a true giant of the nation and a darling in the hearts of Kenyans.’ ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna told reporters at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport that it was ‘too early’ to discuss who might succeed him as party leader.
Flight to India
President Ruto detailed Deputy President Kithure Kindiki to co-chair the funeral committee with Odinga’s elder brother, Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga.
A delegation headed by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi left for India on Wednesday evening to supervise repatriation of Odinga’s body.
According to senior family members and State House officials directly involved in his funeral arrangements, he left a clear directive; that he wished to be interred within seventy-two hours of his death.