Former Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo has paid glowing tribute to the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, describing him as a towering figure whose role in shaping democracy across Africa will never be forgotten.
Speaking at Raila’s Kang’o Ka Jaramogi home in Siaya County on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, during his condolence visit to the Odinga family, Akufo-Addo said Raila’s legacy transcends Kenya’s borders and continues to inspire democratic governance across the continent.
“The reason for my presence here is not very far to seek. The man we are mourning is one of the great sons, not just of Kenya, but of our continent of Africa. His contribution to the growth of democracy in Kenya and in Africa can never, ever be forgotten,” he said.
Akufo-Addo noted that he travelled from Ghana to pay his last respects because he regarded Raila as a continental leader whose vision, courage, and commitment to democratic ideals defined a generation.
He recalled their last engagement when Raila was seeking the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship, noting that Ghana did not hesitate to support his bid due to his proven leadership and integrity.
“I did not hesitate to commit the support of Ghana to his candidature because I knew that he was a man who would be fitting and very capable of doing the work. So I came here today to personally express to his widow, his family, and the people of Kenya my deep-seated condolences on his passing. To be able to do so on this occasion has been a great satisfaction to me,” he added.
The former Ghanaian president further said that throughout his career, he had the opportunity to work closely with several Kenyan leaders, including former Attorney General Amos Wako and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, among others.
During the visit, Akufo-Addo was accompanied by a delegation of Kenyan leaders, among them National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, KANU Chairman Gideon Moi, Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya, Environment Cabinet Secretary Deborah Mulongo, and former West Pokot Senator Samuel Poghisio.
Despite heavy rains, mourners and dignitaries gathered at the Odinga homestead to honour a man whose political career spanned decades and whose influence remains deeply felt.
Wetang’ula described Raila as “a true giant of Kenya’s democratic journey, whose fingerprints are deeply imprinted in the nation’s fight for justice, equality and freedom.”
“The continued flow of mourners at Kang’o Ka Jaramogi, even a week after Baba’s burial, speaks volumes about the love and respect Kenyans and friends from across the world had for him. He made countless sacrifices for peace, unity, and prosperity, a level of selflessness rarely seen in politics,” Wetang’ula said.
He urged leaders and citizens to uphold Raila’s vision for a peaceful, united, and prosperous nation, saying his death should unite the country around the ideals he stood for.
