Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli has called on Kenyans to honour the late Raila Odinga’s legacy by remaining peaceful and united during the mourning period and beyond.
Speaking on Saturday, Atwoli expressed gratitude to President William Ruto and his administration for recognising the former Prime Minister’s immense contribution to the nation.
“I can tell you for free that the government having declared this morning to be a state funeral, I want to take this opportunity and very highly thank His Excellency the President and his government,” he said.
Atwoli described Raila as a peacemaker and unifier, saying he believed in dialogue, compromise, and the idea that Kenya was always bigger than individual ambitions.
“Raila liked peace. Raila could talk to everybody. Raila was a peacemaker. He believed in dialogue and a bigger Kenya. Even when he was hurt, he could compromise. Even when he was in a bad position, he could dialogue for peace,” he said.
He urged Kenyans to emulate Raila’s spirit of tolerance and unity.
“Raila was the glue that used to put us together. In his absence, his death should unite Kenyans. Kenya should remain united,” he said.
The trade unionist also revealed his close personal bond with the late opposition leader, recalling how Raila personally took him to the hospital and stayed by his side for weeks when he was unwell.
“Raila has been close to me. At one time, when I was sick, he took me to the hospital and stayed with me for two weeks, irrespective of his busy schedule. Nobody can do that,” he said.
Atwoli prayed, asking God to grant Raila eternal rest and calling on Kenyans to preserve peace in his honour.
He paid tribute to the media, commending journalists for their dedication to covering the national mourning period.
“I want to thank the press. You are true patriots of our republic. I have seen some of you here even at night, even when it is raining, trying to cover the news of Kenya’s legend,” he said.
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.
