Raila Odinga, Former Prime Minister of Kenya, Dies at 80

23 years ago today, Raila Odinga came in style to mourn his friend Michael Wamalwa Kijana and delivered bulls to our home in Kitale. Today, i lead members of my family, my party @DAP_Kenya , and the larger luhya family to Kang'o ka Jaramogi in Bondo to honor our departed hero. The Wamalwa family and the larger luhya family have had a long and deep history of friendship, good neigbouliness, and shared values and idiologies towards a better Kenya, which we commit carry on, even after loosing our hero #RipRailaOdinga

Raila Odinga was a true champion of democracy. A child of independence, he endured decades of struggle and sacrifice for the broader cause of freedom and self-governance in Kenya. Time and again, I personally saw him put the interests of his country ahead of his own ambitions. Like few other leaders anywhere, he was willing to choose the path of peaceful reconciliation without compromising his core values. Through his life, Raila Odinga set an example not just for Kenyans, but across Africa and around the world. I know he will be missed. Michelle and I send our deepest condolences to his family and to the people of Kenya.

Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga - the greatest Kenyan to ever live. A legend whose courage, sacrifice, and vision shaped our nation. His name is forever woven into the fabric of Kenya’s destiny.

Lying in state at Parliament. A privilege accorded to only a few men. Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga is among the few but unique on his own. We love you, baba.

We have received the news of the passing of Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga with great sadness. He stood tall for freedom, liberty, and dignity. In him, we have lost a great statesman - an African giant, who did his best for humanity amidst great adversity. Deepest condolences to the great people of Kenya and all pro-democracy forces around the world. May his soul rest in peace.

Baba Raila Odinga, may you rest well. To the family, your spouse Mama Ida Odinga and your children, my family and I join you in prayer during this difficult moment. My deepest sympathies to you and to the people of the Republic of Kenya. The enigma Baba, the father of our democracy and a formidable hero of Kenya’s 2nd liberation, you stood tall and strong in intellect, knowledge and quest for democracy. You faced brutal regimes’ brutality, you were tortured, jailed, abducted and detained severally for Kenya. When the history of Africa’s Pan-Africanism is written, your chapter as the indefatigable lion of Africa will attract many readers. You dedicated your life in the service of humanity: as a political activist, a Civil Servant, a University Lecturer, an MP, a Party Leader, a Cabinet Minister, a Prime Minister and many other fronts. On all these, your trail of success and impact remains indelible. Kenyans will not only remember your craft in resilience, persistence and democratic values days on but also your voice during difficult moments. It will be remembered that you were at the forefront in the fight for Kenya’s democracy and liberation of Kenya on many firsts. Most profoundly, Kenya’s multiparty democracy and the Constitution of Kenya 2010, a race you strongly stood in for and we the people of Kenya shall never forget. Much as we have never been on the same political side, I have had a strong admiration of Raila Odinga's art of forming and sustaining a strong political party that survived 4 general elections. I remain amazed by his choice of quality legislators to fly the party flag and eloquently articulate party policies and the people they represented. You are a hero celebrated home and away; you have not gone Raila Odinga, you have just faded away. Rest in peace Baba and may perpetual light shine upon you forever.

Nimepokea kwa masikitiko makubwa taarifa ya kifo cha Mheshimiwa Raila Amolo Odinga. Tumempoteza kiongozi mahiri, Mwanamajumui wa Afrika, mpenda amani na mtafuta suluhu, ambaye ushawishi na upendo wake haukuwa tu ndani ya Kenya, bali Afrika Mashariki na Afrika kwa ujumla. Msiba huu si wa Kenya pekee, bali wetu sote. Kwa niaba ya Serikali na Wananchi wa Jamhuri ya Muungano wa Tanzania, ninatuma salamu za pole kwa Rais wa Jamhuri ya Kenya, Mheshimiwa Dkt. William Samoei Ruto, Mama Ida Odinga, watoto, familia, ndugu, jamaa, marafiki na wananchi wote wa Kenya kwa msiba huu. Tunaungana kuwaombea kwa Mwenyezi Mungu awajalie subra, faraja na imani katika kipindi hiki, na ailaze roho ya mpendwa wetu, Mheshimiwa Raila Amolo Odinga, mahali pema peponi. Amina.

Deeply saddened by the passing of my dear friend and former Prime Minister of Kenya, Mr. Raila Odinga. He was a towering statesman and a cherished friend of India. I had the privilege of knowing him closely since my days as Chief Minister of Gujarat and our association continued over the years. He had a special affection for India, our culture, values and ancient wisdom. This was reflected in his efforts to strengthen India-Kenya ties. He particularly admired Ayurveda and traditional medicine systems of India, having witnessed their positive impact on his daughter's health. I extend my deepest condolences to his family, friends and to the people of Kenya in this hour of grief.

We have lost an icon. Raila Odinga has passed on. I have no words.....