A moment of thunderous reaction swept through Nyayo National Stadium during the state funeral of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
It came when Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Bondo, Rt Rev Prof. David Kodia delivered a fiery sermon that electrified the thousands gathered.
Standing at the podium before a sea of mourners waving flags, twigs, and white handkerchiefs, Bishop Kodia’s words cut through the still air with prophetic force.
His message, a passionate call for moral renewal and justice, struck deep into the hearts of Kenyans who had come to celebrate Raila’s legacy.
“When we are proclaiming the word, we should not be fearful,” he began, his voice rising with conviction.
“The word proclaimed must have the power to transform and renew our strength, for the liberation of a country from those who are looting everything from us, from the county levels to everywhere.”
The crowd erupted in cheers, whistling, clapping, and waving their flags high.
Some rose to their feet, chanting as if echoing the bishop’s warning against corruption. Others clapped as if to say, “Amen!” and “Preach, Bishop!”
But Bishop Kodia was not done.
“I want us to make a testament with the people of Kenya. If there is anyone here, at whatever level, be you a governor, an MCA, whoever it is who has looted this country, you know you stand the chance to be condemned.”
The crowd roared again, this time louder, a wave of emotion rolling through the stands.
Some mourners jumped to their feet, clapping rhythmically; others waved their white handkerchiefs toward the sky in agreement.
In that instant, the atmosphere shifted from mourning to defiant reflection, a fusion of grief and political truth.
It was not just a sermon but a rallying cry.
Turning his focus back to the man being honored, Bishop Kodia reflected on the ideals that Raila embodied and fought for throughout his life.
“When we are talking about the person of the stature of Raila Amollo Odinga, we are seeing in him those strengths of justice which are yet to be won,” he said.
“We are seeing in him those trends of peace which are yet to be achieved. The strengths of reconciliation are yet to be seen. We are seeing in him the Kenyanhood being at the center of everything else.”
His words struck a chord with many in the stadium, leaders, clergy, and citizens alike, reminding them of the late opposition leader’s lifelong pursuit of justice, equity, and nationhood.
By the time Bishop Kodia concluded with a solemn blessing, “May God lift you all as we bid farewell to Baba”, many in the audience were in tears.
The sermon, though brief, captured the emotional heartbeat of the day: grief interwoven with a collective yearning for a just Kenya.
