Raila Odinga’s sudden death comes as a shock not only to Kenyans but his global followers and friends.
While it was public knowledge that he was unwell and had sought treatment abroad, the least that was expected was that he would come back home in a coffin. Death’s sting is painful; it is no respecter of age, social status or gender.
The beauty is that a rich legacy long outlives one’s death. Raila leaves behind a rich legacy that will long outlive his death and will be a subject of history for years to come.
His contribution to the push for better governance, for which he paid a high price in long years of detention, is unmatched. Raila’s contribution to Kenya’s second liberation, the 2010 constitution and Kenya’s devolution structure will long be remembered.
He strongly defended media freedom and even when he felt wronged, he did not rush to court but preferred rapprochement. His courage and conviction on issues were unparalleled, but he was equally quick to forgive, embrace enemies and build bridges.
The former Prime Minister, like all mortals, was not perfect but he was a true Pan-Africanist and a firm believer in One Kenya One Nation One People. He eschewed tribalism and always endeavoured to embrace all communities. Raila is gone but his legacy endures.
Fare thee well, Baba.
Quote of the day: “Courage is a special kind
of knowledge: the knowledge of how to
fear what ought to be feared and how not
to fear what ought not to be feared.” —First
Prime Minister of Israel David Ben-Gurion was
born on October 16, 1886
