Thika Parliamentary aspirant Ephraim Wainaina has joined national leaders, including President William Ruto and former President Uhuru Kenyatta, in mourning the death of Kenya’s former Prime Minister, Raila Amolo Odinga.
Wainaina described Raila as the “father of Kenya’s Second Liberation” — a fearless reformist whose dedication to democracy, peace, and national unity left an indelible mark on the nation.
“Baba was the father of our nation’s Second Liberation — fearlessly giving his life’s energy so that Kenya could enjoy the democracy, freedoms, and rights we hold dear today. His legacy lives on in every young Kenyan who speaks truth to power, and in every leader who places country above self,” Wainaina said in a statement.
President William Ruto also paid tribute to the late opposition leader, describing him as a “once-in-a-generation leader whose courage and ideals transcended politics.”
“Raila Odinga’s name will forever be etched in the story of our republic — a story of struggle, sacrifice, courage, rule of law, hope, and our pursuit for excellence. He was a unifier who sought peace above power, a patriot who gave his all for the promise of a better Kenya,” President Ruto said.
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta, who shared both rivalry and friendship with Raila, issued a deeply emotional statement mourning the man he called a “friend, brother, and a true son of Kenya.”
Uhuru said the news of Raila’s death had struck him with profound sadness, calling it “a silence where once there was a voice of thunder and conviction.” He reflected on their long political journey, noting that though they were once fierce opponents, they later found common ground through the 2018 Handshake that united the country after a divisive election.
“That journey from fierce political opponents to partners in the pursuit of unity taught me the true measure of the man. He was a formidable opponent, but an even more invaluable ally in the cause of reconciliation,” the former President said.
Uhuru remembered Raila as a patriot driven by an unshakable belief in justice and peace.
“I have lost a friend and a brother. I will miss our conversations — sometimes challenging, always insightful — and the fire of belief that never left his eyes,” he said, extending condolences to Mama Ida Odinga and the entire Odinga family. “You have shared Baba with Kenya for a lifetime, and we mourn with you. We have lost a father to the nation and a steadfast champion for the people.”
More Stories
Plan, Save, and Achieve Your Financial Goals with Smart Digital Tools
When Everyone Becomes a Digital Expert: The Rise of Ad Criticism Online