Prof. David Kodia, Bishop of the Anglican Church’s Bondo Diocese, during the State Funeral Service of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga at Nyayo Stadium, Nairobi/SCREENGRABFormer presidential advisor Moses Kuria has applauded the bold and uncompromising sermon delivered by Prof. David Kodia, Bishop of the Anglican Church’s Bondo Diocese, during the State Funeral Service of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Taking to X, Kuria praised the bishop’s message, which directly called out the widespread political culture of handouts and patronage in Kenya.
“The bishop declared an end to the handout sessions otherwise christened Empowerment Forums,” Kuria posted. “He asked us instead to focus on creating real jobs by fixing the economy. In case you missed the memo, guys.”
The sermon, delivered to government officials, foreign dignitaries, and thousands of mourners, was a powerful rebuke of corruption, tokenism, and economic deception in political leadership.
The bishop did not mince words, urging political leaders to reflect on their roles in the systemic looting of the country.
“When we're proclaiming the Word, we should not be fearful,” he said, drawing cheers from the crowd. “The Word proclaimed must have the power to transform… to liberate our country from those who are looting everything from us, from the country level to everywhere.”
He warned that those involved in corruption — regardless of their position — are morally culpable.
“If there's anyone here, at whatever level, be it a governor or MCA, who has looted this country, you know you stand the chance to be condemned,” Kodia declared.
Kodia further lamented how the culture of bribery and handouts has taken root across Kenyan society, undermining service delivery and reducing citizens to beggars of their own rights.
“Today, we have bad manners among our politicians. They have taught our people the culture of handouts — that whatever you want, you must part with money,” he said. “Woe unto those who drive big vehicles — you're in big trouble.”
He contrasted this with the legacy of Raila, describing the late leader as someone who never relied on wealth to earn loyalty or power.
“Baba never used the power of his wallet as a convincing tool,” he said. “He used the power of persuasion. He used the power of the word. Let’s allow ourselves to be used by God, so that the power He gave us is the power that is correcting, reconciling, and rebuking what is evil.”
Raila Odinga will be laid to rest on Sunday in a private ceremony at his ancestral home in Bondo, Siaya County.
