Government Efficiency Office Head Eliud Owalo has paid a
heartfelt tribute to the late former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga,
describing him as a mentor, patriot, and father figure whose leadership and
courage transformed Kenya’s political landscape.
In a moving message of condolence, Owalo said he received
the news of Raila’s death with “profound sorrow and deep personal grief,”
noting that Kenya had lost one of its greatest statesmen.
“Kenya has lost a true national hero — a selfless,
courageous, principled, and visionary freedom fighter whose indelible
footprints are etched in every chapter of our nation’s struggle for freedom,
democracy, and social justice,” Owalo said.
He extended his condolences to Mama Ida Odinga, Rosemary,
Junior, Winnie, and the entire Odinga family, describing Raila’s death as a
personal loss to him and his family.
Owalo revealed that his family shared a long historical
connection with the Odingas — one that dates back to the days of Kenya’s
nationalist struggle.
“Our families share deep historical ties dating back to the
days of my late grandfather, Nabii Yohana Owalo, with whom the Odinga family
championed Kenya’s nationalist causes,” he said.
Owalo recounted his long working relationship with Raila,
noting that he had the privilege of serving under his leadership during his
tenure as Prime Minister.
He said Raila entrusted him with key assignments, including
leading the development of the Strategic Plan for the Executive Office of the
Prime Minister and later appointing him as Secretary-General of the Friends of
Raila Movement, an initiative aimed at mobilizing grassroots support for
reform.
“I subsequently served as Head of his Presidential Campaign
Secretariat and Chief Campaign Manager during his 2013 presidential bid,” Owalo
recalled. “Beyond our professional association, he was a father figure, confidante,
and wise counsellor throughout my journey in both the private and public
sectors.”
Owalo, who now heads the newly established Government
Efficiency Office, said Raila’s mentorship shaped his leadership philosophy,
instilling in him values of integrity, humility, and service to the people.
He praised Raila’s resilience, noting that he endured
persecution, imprisonment, and betrayal but never abandoned his fight for
democracy and equality.
“Raila bore the scars of that fight with honour and pride. He
never sought revenge; instead, he chose reconciliation and dialogue. That is
the true measure of leadership,” Owalo said.
The former ICT Cabinet Secretary added that Raila’s
influence extended beyond politics — he was a symbol of hope, unity, and
forgiveness.
“He believed in love for the nation, in humanity, and in the
power of forgiveness. His heart was for the people, not for power,” he said.
Owalo also shared that he worked closely with Raila outside
politics, serving alongside him as Deputy Patron of Gor Mahia Football Club,
where the two promoted youth empowerment and community spirit through sports.
“The Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga’s legacy will forever
remain woven into the fabric of our Republic — a testament to his resilience,
statesmanship, and unshakeable belief in the promise of a better Kenya,” Owalo
said.
He concluded his message with a poignant farewell in Luo,
saying:
“Nind gi kwe, Jakom. Rest in peace, Baba.”
Raila Odinga, who passed away on October 15, 2025, in India
after suffering a cardiac arrest, will be buried on Sunday at his ancestral
home in Kang’o ka Jaramogi, Bondo, Siaya County.
President William Ruto has declared seven days of
national mourning in his honour, with flags flying at half-mast across the
country.
