Former US President Barack Obama on early Saturday morning broke his silence on the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, calling him “a true champion of democracy.”
But while his words struck a chord
with many, the timing of his message, coming almost four days after Raila’s
death, has stirred mixed reactions among Kenyans.
“Thank you for mourning with us Wuod America! You can
even come, you don't need security, Kenyans will give you security!” Josh said,
echoing the affection that still
binds the former president to the country of his father’s birth.
A user by
the name Brian Opar said, “Your message is a reminder of the enduring friendship
between our nations and the shared democratic ideals that both you and the late
Raila Odinga so passionately championed”.
“His
legacy of courage, resilience, and unwavering commitment to justice will continue
to inspire generations across Africa and beyond.”
Others,
however, questioned the delay, suggesting it came too late for a man with whom
Obama shares not just ancestry, but a long political admiration.
“We acknowledge and
appreciate your condolences. However, we cannot overlook the delay in your response
during our moment of grief,” Lion of the mountain
said.
In his statement, Obama described
Raila as a man of sacrifice and resilience.
“Raila
Odinga was a true champion of democracy. Time and again, I saw him put the
interests of his country ahead of his own ambitions,” he said.
“Like few
other leaders anywhere, he was willing to choose the path of peaceful
reconciliation without compromising his core values.”
He added that both he and former First Lady Michelle Obama
extended their deepest condolences to the Odinga family and to the people of
Kenya.
Yet even as many Kenyans welcomed
the message, a section of social media users questioned the former president’s
silence in the emotionally charged days following the opposition leader’s
death.
“Finally!!!
Thank you so much. It was a huge concern in Africa that you were silent about
the death of your kinsman,”Andrew Lubusha wrote, reflecting the sentiments of
many who had tagged Obama daily since October 13, the day Raila died in India.
“We
were patiently looking out for your comment on Odinga's death. I hope this is
from your heart Barack Obama,” Ben Ekott stated.
Some chose humour to mask
disappointment.
“Now that
you’ve spoken, please record a video singing Jamaica Farewell. Baba’s favourite
song,” a user joked, referencing the Harry
Belafonte tune.
Still, others defended Obama’s
timing, calling it “respect and
strategic patience.”
“As a global statesman & former
President of the USA — the most powerful nation in the world — Obama is not
just a private citizen. He carries a unique responsibility, and every word or
action he takes can have broad diplomatic and emotional ripples,” djxp said.
“It’s likely he chose to wait until
the Kenyan Government had better control of the situation before going public
with his condolences. This shows not only respect for Kenya’s internal
processes but also the wisdom of a seasoned leader. Shrewdness, patience, and
timing — these are hallmarks of true leadership. We thank him for his sincere
condolences.”
The user added, “May Baba rest in
eternal peace. Kenya has lost a giant. The world has lost a voice of reason,
resistance, and resilience. RIP Baba, Jakom, Tinga, Agwambo, Rao — The Enigma”.
The outpouring of emotion
surrounding Raila’s death has transcended politics and borders. For many
Kenyans, Obama’s voice, though late, added a global recognition to their grief.
“Better
late than never, Your Excellency. May Baba’s soul rest in eternal peace. Now
surprise us by landing at Kisumu International Airport and snake your way to
Opoda, we give Jakom a heroic send-off,”
Calvin Okoth added.
“Thanks
for honoring Baba his last journey cuzo,” Mwalimu Kabul Wuod Jakom said.
Koli West
stated, “Finally but then we want you to come over here and give Raila a
befitting farewell.”
Raila’s death has united Kenyans
across divides.
Online, the conversations around
Obama’s tribute reveal more than timing, they reflect a nation still processing
loss, pride and the weight of legacy.
“As an American married to a Luo,
this post makes my heart full. Thank you,” Stephanielovesplants said.
Raila, who died in India after
suffering a cardiac arrest, had been receiving treatment.
His passing has triggered one of the
largest national outpourings of grief in Kenya’s history.
Obama’s message may have come later
than expected, but for many Kenyans, it carried a reminder that even oceans
away, Raila’s story touched the world.
“Kenya has lost a giant,” wrote one user simply. “The world has lost a voice of reason, resistance, and resilience.”
