Tributes pour in as leaders mourn Raila Odinga

Lone described Raila's death as “the saddest day in our history,” adding that Kenya will never be the same again.

“Millions of hearts have been broken, mourning the passing of a leader who was never allowed to be President,” Lone said.

He noted that despite being denied the presidency multiple times, Raila remained one of the most admired and loved leaders in Kenya because of his lifelong fight for justice and equality.

“While all our presidents curtailed our freedoms and rights to entrench their power and wealth, Raila’s vast popular following allowed him, without ever holding power, to enlarge democracy and inclusion for the struggling masses and marginalised communities,” Lone said. 

Lone said Raila’s influence extended far beyond politics, describing him as a man who made sacrifices and fought to improve the lives of others by reducing inequality and giving hope to the oppressed.

According to Lone, Raila’s legacy would live on in the hearts of millions who believed in his dream of a freer, fairer Kenya.

He added that Raila was a leader who, despite twice winning the presidency, “was the loser who was announced the winner.” 

Former Chief Justice David Maraga also expressed deep sorrow following Raila’s death, describing him as a patriot, pan-Africanist, and democrat whose leadership shaped Kenya’s political and democratic journey. 

“Kenya has lost one of its most formidable leaders who shaped the trajectory of our beloved country. Africa has lost a leading voice in pushing for peace, security and development. The world has lost a great leader,” Maraga stated. 

Maraga praised Raila’s lifelong dedication to democratic reforms, justice, and unity, saying his political career left a lasting mark on Kenya’s history.

He described Raila as a leader who consistently placed the interests of Kenyans before personal ambition and remained a symbol of resilience in the fight for democracy. 

“During these difficult times, I pass my deepest condolences to Mama Ida Odinga and the entire Odinga family, to the people of Kibra Constituency, who he represented for many years, to the people of Siaya County, where he hails from, and to all of us Kenyans,” Maraga said. 

COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli mourned Raila as a symbol of unity and a mentor whose leadership shaped generations of Kenyan politicians. In his condolence message, 

“The passing of Raila Odinga at a time when Kenya was yearning for unity is a big blow to our country,” Atwoli said.

He described Raila as “the glue that held our country together during moments of political misunderstanding,” noting that he always rose above divisions to unite Kenyans. 

Atwoli said many of today’s leaders, including President William Ruto, former President Uhuru Kenyatta, and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, were Raila’s political students, whose paths were shaped by his mentorship and guidance. 

He expressed hope that Raila’s death would inspire national unity.

“I sincerely hope and trust that Raila’s passing will bring our country together now and for posterity,” Atwoli said.

Atwoli revealed that he was the last person Raila met in his office before travelling to India for treatment, a moment he said he would “forever cherish.”

He extended condolences to Mama Ida Odinga and the Odinga family, describing Raila as a patriot who dedicated his life to defending Kenyan workers and advancing democracy. 

Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo mourned the late Raila in Dholuo, expressing the community’s deep grief over his passing.

“Yore! Yore! A hero has gone! Rwath onindo! Agwambo owewa! Piny osiko to ok sikie!! (The path is silent, the hero rests, Agwambo has left us, the world has fallen still but not broken)" Otiende said.

His words reflected the sorrow and disbelief felt across the country as Kenyans came to terms with the loss of a man many regarded as the face of Kenya’s struggle for democracy, justice, and unity. 

Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya described Raila as one of Kenya’s greatest sons, calling his death not just a national tragedy but a deeply personal loss to millions.

He hailed Raila as a courageous statesman whose sacrifices expanded Kenya’s democratic space and taught citizens that leadership is about service and conviction. 

Natembeya said Raila was more than a political ally to the Western region.

"He was a guiding light who walked with us, listened to us, and stood with our communities in both hope and hardship,” Natembeya said.

Natembea urged Kenyans to honour Raila’s legacy by upholding the values he lived for — unity, justice, and inclusion.

He extended condolences to Mama Ida Odinga, the Odinga family, and all Kenyans.

“Rest in peace, Baba. Your light will continue to shine across generations.” 

Raila, widely regarded as one of Kenya’s most influential political figures, dedicated his life to the fight for democracy, justice, and inclusive governance.

His leadership in pushing for multi-party democracy and his commitment to national dialogue made him a towering figure in Kenya’s modern political history.