Former president Uhuru Kenyatta has joined Kenyans in grieving Raila Odinga, the leader of the ODM party, who died on Wednesday morning, October 15.
Uhuru’s message is below:
My heart is heavy, and my spirit is weighed down by a deep and personal loss. The news of Raila’s death has left a quiet that echoes across our country. It used to be a voice of thunder and conviction.
Raila was much than just a political coworker to me; he was a big part of my life and my work in public service. Raila and I were like two ships sailing in different directions, plotting distinct paths for the country we both loved. At some point along the way, we became political rivals, and the stress of that rivalry was frequently too much to handle.
We called him Baba, and he was a man who made you think about your own opinions and defend them with passion and determination.
But in the last several years, a new link has formed: one of respect, shared love for Kenya, and a shared desire to see Kenya unified.
That path from being furious political enemies to working together for “Handshake” unification showed me what kind of man he really is. I observed directly how much he loved our country, how strongly he believed in justice, and how well he could put his own goals aside for the sake of peace in the country. He was a tough opponent, but he was an even more important ally in the fight for peace.
I lost a brother and a buddy. I shall miss talking to him, which was sometimes hard but always made me think, and the fire of belief that never left his eyes.
I send my sincerest, most genuine condolences to Mama Ida, the kids, and the whole Odinga family. You have shared Baba with Kenya for a long time, and we are sad with you. We have lost a father to the nation, a strong supporter of the people, and a real son of Kenya.
His legacy isn’t just the political fights he won; it’s also the peace he helped make. It is written into the fundamental fiber of our country. My friend, rest in peace. You have finished your work here, yet your echo will never go away.
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