Former President Uhuru Kenyatta on Friday lightened the sombre atmosphere at Nyayo Stadium during the state funeral service of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, with a mix of humour, warmth, and heartfelt emotion as he paid tribute to his long-time friend and political counterpart.
Uhuru fondly recalled the moments he shared with Raila, describing him as a “brother, friend, and patriot” whose voice and spirit left an indelible mark on Kenya’s history.
“Sometimes after work, we would sit together, talking and laughing,” he said. “I once asked him — those old men who died before us, Jaramogi and Jomo — when they sit, what do they discuss? I said they must talk about politics just like us.”
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As laughter rippled through the crowd, Uhuru paused before adding softly, “But now, Raila, you’ve left and you’re talking with them. It’s not that I’m in a hurry to come where you are — but I still want to be around.”
The light-hearted moment briefly lifted the mood before the former president’s tone turned solemn.
“My heart is heavy, and my spirit is burdened with a grief that is both profound and deeply personal,” Uhuru said.
“The news of Raila’s passing has left a silence that echoes across our nation — a silence where once there was a voice of thunder and conviction.”
Uhuru described Raila Odinga as a statesman who shaped Kenya’s democratic journey, not only as a political rival but also as a partner in nation-building.
“Raila and I were navigators on opposing currents, charting different courses for the nation we both loved,” he said. “At some point along that journey, we became political opponents. The competition was tough, but from it came respect and shared patriotism.”
Reflecting on their 2018 Handshake, which marked a historic moment of reconciliation, Uhuru said it revealed the true measure of Raila’s character.
“He made you sharpen your ideas, defend your positions, and think beyond yourself,” he noted. “He loved Kenya more than anything else — he was not tribal, and he always stood for unity, peace, and justice.”
Uhuru called on Kenyans to honour Raila’s legacy by upholding the values he fought for — democracy, integrity, and peace.
“As we bid him farewell, let’s promise to ensure that the democracy and freedoms Raila fought for will never be wiped away,” he said. “We will not allow this country to go backwards — that is what Raila would have wanted.”
He concluded by expressing gratitude to Mama Ida Odinga and the entire Odinga family for sharing Raila with the nation.
“I have come to mourn a friend and a brother,” he said. “Even in our sadness, let’s take the opportunity to appreciate Mama Ida and the family. To Kenyans, I say thank you for giving us Raila.”