Kanu chairperson Gideon Moi mourns Raila as leaders visit Opoda to condole with family

Kanu chairperson Gideon Moi on Wednesday said that the death of veteran politician Raila Odinga has robbed the continent of an icon.

Gideon spoke as several leaders visited Raila's family in Bondo to condole with them over the loss of a man whose footprints in the country's democracy will be felt for years.

In his tribute, Gideon recounted the last conversation he had with Raila and how he had been looking forward to their meeting once the late ODM leader flew back to the country from India.

"He promised we would meet when he came back, but sadly, he never made it. God had His own plans. We have lost a true son of Africa, a genuine hero, and I will miss him greatly,” Gideon said.

He later laid a bouquet of flowers at the grave of the late Pan-Africanist and described him as a fortress and a true son of Africa.

Among the dignitaries who arrived to pay tribute was former Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo, who joined African leaders and local politicians in celebrating Raila’s lifelong dedication to Africa’s liberation and progress. Akufo-Addo said Raila was not only Kenya’s political giant but also a continental statesman whose influence resonated far beyond his country’s borders.

Akufo-Addo described Raila as one of Africa’s great sons, whose role in advancing democracy and good governance will remain etched in the continent’s history.

“His contribution to the growth of democracy in Kenya and Africa can never be forgotten. I was privileged to work with him and host him in Accra on three occasions, the last being when he visited during his campaign for the African Union Commission chairmanship,” Akufo-Addo recalled.

He said he did not hesitate to support Raila’s bid for the African Union Commission chairmanship because he knew Raila was “a man of integrity and unwavering dedication to Africa’s progress.”

Akufo-Addo added that Raila’s passion for an independent, self-reliant Africa earned him admiration from many across the continent. “I came here today to express in person my deep condolences to his family, his widow, and the people of Kenya. May he rest peacefully in the bosom of the Almighty until we meet again.”

COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli, one of Raila’s long-time allies, described him too as a tireless advocate for African workers.

“The truth of the matter is that we, as workers, have lost a person who was close to African workers,” said Atwoli. “Before he began his journey to seek continental leadership, Raila travelled to Ghana to address African workers — a sign of his deep belief in African unity and labour rights.”

Atwoli stressed that Raila’s leadership extended beyond Kenya, touching the lives of ordinary people across Africa.

“He believed in the power of workers as the backbone of the continent’s development. His dream was not just for Kenya but for an Africa that values the dignity of its people,” he said.

Former Attorney General Amos Wako shared a moving recollection of Raila’s instrumental role in shaping Kenya’s democratic foundation through the Constitution. “When I was Attorney General, I worked closely with Raila Amolo Odinga. He fought for the Constitution, and during negotiations, he was at the forefront,” said Wako.

He painfully recounted a defining moment when they both agreed that the chairperson of the Constitutional Review Process should be neutral. “I thought of Yash Pal Ghai, who was then in exile. I spoke to Raila, and he fully supported the idea. Together, we went to then-President Daniel arap Moi and convinced him to appoint Ghai as chair. That decision marked the beginning of a process that gave us the new Constitution,” Wako narrated.

Wycliffe Oparanya, Cabinet Secretary for Cooperatives, another long-time ally, described Raila as a mentor, political father, and personal friend. “Most of you know that Raila made my political journey what it is today. For 25 years, we worked together, and for 13 of those years, I served as his deputy party leader. Apart from being my leader, he was a dear friend,” said Oparanya.

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula too painted Raila as a unifier who made countless sacrifices for Kenya’s peace and stability. “Raila Odinga has left many orphans, primary orphans being his family and secondary orphans across the world who believed in his ideals,” said Wetang’ula.

He remembered Raila as a leader who prioritized peace and unity even when it meant personal loss. “He made compromises for the sake of this country’s security and cohesion. Very few politicians are capable of doing that,” he said.

Speaking later at Kang’o Ka Jaramogi, KANU Chairman Gideon Moi offered a personal reflection on his friendship with Raila. “To the family of Raila Odinga, I send my deepest condolences. I remember Mzee Raila as a man who respected me and valued our friendship,” he said.

Siaya Governor James Orengo, who hosted the dignitaries, said Raila’s vision for Africa will live on. “He believed in an Africa that stands tall, proud, and self-reliant — an Africa that takes its place in global affairs with dignity. Today, we remember not just Raila the politician, but Raila the African patriot,” Orengo said.