Mudavadi Leads Western Kenya Leaders to Bondo to Mourn and Honour Raila Odinga’s Legacy
Mudavadi noted that even though Odinga’s passing had created a deep void, his legacy would continue to motivate generations to come.
Other governors present were Siaya's James Orengo, Kakamega's Fernandes Barasa, and Busia's Paul Otuoma, in addition to Environment Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa and Principal Secretary in Higher Education Beatrice Inyangala. Photo/courtesy.
By Ruth Sang
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi on Wednesday headed a high-level team from Western Kenya to Bondo, Siaya County, to offer their condolences to the family of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. Mudavadi described the death as a profound tragedy to the entire nation, stating that Odinga’s visionary leadership, unshakeable principles, and tireless efforts for justice and concord had left an indelible ink on Kenya’s political landscape.
Turning to the Kang’o ka Jaramogi home, Mudavadi noted that even though Odinga’s passing had created a deep void, his legacy would continue to motivate generations to come. He mourned the late opposition leader for his boldness, integrity, and relentless drive towards democracy and referred to him as a true statesman who shaped Kenya’s politics for decades.
The death of Raila Odinga is not just a shock to his family but the country at large,” Mudavadi said. “He was an individual with great dignity and purpose whose unyielding commitment to the country will always be a source of inspiration. I had come to assure Mama Ida and the Odinga family that we still grieve with them and stand in unity as they go through this painful experience.”. May God’s grace continue to strengthen and comfort them.
Mudavadi also reminisced about his own friendship with Odinga, recalling the friendly exchanges they often had. “I miss dearly our moments of fellowship — our moments of telling each other, ‘Mwana wa Hannah’ and ‘Woud Mary.’ Those moments went above politics and wars and connected us to our shared humanity, our religion and our hopes for Kenya’s better tomorrow,” he said.
The Prime Cabinet Secretary presided over a delegation of the region’s leading leaders and officials, who had come to pay tribute to the fallen leader. They were National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, ex-Attorney General Amos Wako, COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli, and ex-Cabinet Minister Noah Wekesa. Other governors present were Siaya’s James Orengo, Kakamega’s Fernandes Barasa, and Busia’s Paul Otuoma, in addition to Environment Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa and Principal Secretary in Higher Education Beatrice Inyangala.
Mudavadi specifically thanked former Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo, who came in from Ghana to be present at the occasion to honor Odinga. “We are really honored that you came all the way from Ghana to be with us.”. This gesture is testimony to the camaraderie you enjoyed and the respect you had for Raila,” he added. Akufo-Addo, among the first world leaders to send his condolences on October 15 after Raila’s death, discussed the intimate relationship he enjoyed with the Kenyan president.
The delegation later visited Mama Ida Odinga at the family’s Opoda farm, where they were accompanied by citizens of Bondo to mark the life and lasting legacy of “Baba,” the man whose leadership continues to steer Kenya toward unity and progress.
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