Raila Odinga's family led by Mama Ida pays their last respects upon arrival of his body from India at JKIA, Thursday, October 16, 2025. /PCS
The Evangelical Alliance of Kenya has called on churches and believers across the country to unite in prayer for the family of former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga, whose death has plunged the nation into mourning.
In a pastoral letter to member churches and organizations on Thursday, the alliance described Raila as “a statesman, reformer, and African icon whose life and service have left an indelible mark on Kenya and beyond.”
EAK urged Christians to lift up the Odinga family in prayer, especially Mama Ida Odinga and their children, asking that God comfort them and grant them strength during this time of sorrow.
“We urge all our member churches, ministries and organisations to lift up the Odinga family before the Lord,” the letter said.
“May the God of all comfort surround them with His unfailing love and give them peace that surpasses all understanding.”
The association said Raila's passing is not only a national loss but also a moment that calls for reflection, prayer and unity among all people of faith and the nation at large.
“The Evangelical Alliance of Kenya writes to you at this solemn moment as our beloved nation mourns the passing of Rt Hon Raila Amolo Odinga,” the letter reads in part.
The letter signed by EAK chairman Bishop Philip Kitoto and general secretary Rev Kepha Nyandega encouraged Kenyans to remain calm, united and steadfast in faith as they come to terms with the loss of one of the nation’s most enduring political figures.
Raila Odinga's daughter Rosemary delivers her father's iconic white fedora hat to Mama Ida upon arrival of his body from India at JKIA, Thursday, October 16, 2025. /PCSBeyond the family, EAK also urged believers to pray for the nation, calling for sobriety, calm and steadfast unity as Kenyans come to terms with the loss of one of the country’s most influential political figures.
“At such a time, it is vital for the Church to be not only the salt and light but also the beacon of hope of the nation,” the alliance said.
"Let our sanctuaries and homes become altars of intercession, crying out to the Lord for Kenya to remain steadfast, united, and anchored in His grace. Let us be a voice of calm and compassion, pointing the nation to Christ, the Prince of Peace.”
Quoting from the Gospel of Matthew — “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted” — the EAK reminded Christians that while the loss was painful, believers are called to mourn with hope and faith in God’s sovereignty.
“Our hope is alive in Christ Jesus, who is Lord over all, Lord over nations, and Lord over time,” the statement added.
“Even in sorrow, His hand is steady, His love unchanging, and His purposes sure.”
The Evangelical Alliance’s message comes as the country plans for a funeral service on Friday at the Nyayo national stadium ahead of Raila’s burial in Bondo on Sunday.
There was public viewing of the body at the Kasarani stadium upon arrival from India aboard a chartered Kenya Airways plane.
Another round of public body viewing has been scheduled for Saturday at the Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium in Kisumu, where the body will be flown Saturday morning.
Anticipated huge crowds prompted authorities to shift the venue from the Moi stadium to avert similar scenario witnessed in Nairobi where the venue of viewing the body was moved from the Parliament precincts to Kasarani to accommodate the mourners.
