Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has recalled a defining moment when he helped broker a deal between President William Ruto and the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga in February 2024.
Speaking at the state funeral held at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) in Bondo, Obasanjo emotionally recounted the behind-the-scenes negotiations in Mombasa that brought Kenya's political rivals together, ushering in a new era of inclusion and stability.
“In February last year, I sat with Raila and President Ruto in Mombasa,” Obasanjo revealed.
“That day changed the course of Kenya’s politics. Ruto made space for the opposition in government. It was a pleasant day not just for Raila and Ruto — but for all Kenyans.”
The former Nigerian leader said the moment was not just a milestone for Kenya, but a powerful lesson for the continent.
“It is a lesson for me, and for all of us in Africa,” he said. “A lesson in understanding, tolerance, love, and accommodation. That our nation, our continent, is bigger than any one individual or group of individuals.”
Obasanjo, a revered elder statesman across Africa, said the successful mediation between Raila and Ruto stood as a testament to Raila’s character — a leader willing to put country above self.
Obasanjo spoke fondly of his decades-long friendship with Raila, recalling their first deep interaction in 1994 when he was invited as a special guest to attend the funeral of Raila’s father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga.
“Raila made that happen,” Obasanjo said. “Since then, our friendship only deepened. We worked together for our two countries, for Africa, and for the world. I have come to know Raila very well.”
He described Raila as a man with a “passionate love for his country and for Africa,” adding, “That is what made our relationship continue to grow — that shared commitment.”
Obasanjo also paid tribute to Raila’s personality, recalling how the late leader always brought lightness to tense moments.
“I loved his sense of humour. No matter how serious things were, Raila would find a way to reduce the tension. I have lost a brother, a friend, a confidant, and a co-worker.”
The funeral marked the emotional conclusion of Kenya’s national mourning period for Raila — a man who defined opposition politics for over four decades, and who was celebrated not only as a politician but also as a statesman and pan-African visionary.
Thousands of mourners gathered at the JOOUST grounds in Bondo, including political leaders, international dignitaries, and ordinary Kenyans who came to honour his legacy.
High-profile attendees included President William Ruto, former President Uhuru Kenyatta, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, Senate Speaker Amason Kingi, and former President Obasanjo himself.
Obasanjo thanked Ruto for making the send-off a fitting tribute.
“Thank you, President Ruto, for making this a great occasion — for Raila’s family, his community, for Kenyans, and for all of Africa.”
