The Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) Bondo Diocese Bishop Revered David Hillington Kodia, on Friday, October 17, received a standing ovation from Kenyans during the State Funeral of Raila Odinga at Nyayo National Stadium.
In a powerful sermon, Reverend Kobia boldly called out leaders who are accused of looting public resources.
The Bondo ACK Bishop emphasized that any leader who misuses public resources should be condemned and held accountable.
“When we are proclaiming the word, we should not be fearful. Words proclaimed must have the power to transform. It must have the power to make us renewed in our strength for the liberation of our country from those who are looting everything from us. From the country level to everywhere.
“I want to make a testament with the people of Kenya. If there is anyone here at whatever level, be you a governor, or an MCA who has looted this country, you know you stand a chance of being condemned,” said Reverent Kodia.
The bishop referenced politicians who had stooped low by allowing Kenya to become a hub of corruption. He noted that such habits transformed the society into a ‘culture of handouts’ in exchange for service delivery.
“The question is how do we apply the power to proclaim what God has given us for the good of the nation, of humanity. Baba is one such politician who never used the power of money to intimidate people. Today, we have bad manners among our politicians. They have taught our people the culture of handouts that whatever you want, you must part with money and woe unto those who drive with big vehicles, you’re in big trouble,” the bishop noted.
“Baba never used the power of his wallet as a convincing tool to others, but he used the power of persuasion. He used the power of the word. Let’s allow ourselves to be used by God so that the power He gave us is the power that is correcting, reconciling and rebuking what is evil.”
“How many can fit in the shoes of Raila Odinga today? How many?”
His sermon resonated well with thousands of Kenyans who gave him a standing ovation for openly calling our corrupt leaders.
A section of elected leaders also applauded the Bondo ACK Diocese following the sermon.
Raila’s State Funeral attracted regional and national leaders who turned up to pay their final respects and honour his legacy.
Among those present were Ethiopian President Taye Atske Selassie, Somalia President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Tanzanian Vice President Philip Mpango, South Sudan Deputy President Rebbeca Nyandeng Garang and former Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete.
Others were: President William Ruto, Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Prime CS Musalia Mudavadi, Chief Justice Martha Koome, Kalonzo Musyoka, Martha Karua, and Fred Matiangi.
The former Prime Minister is set to be accorded military honors by the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF).
Raila passed away on Wednesday after suffering a cardiac arrest during a morning walk at an Ayurvedic treatment facility in India.
The body of the ODM leader will be moved to Kisumu on Saturday, October 19, where there will be a public viewing at Moi Stadium between 9 am and 3 pm.
Raila will be laid to rest on Sunday, October 19, at his Bondo home beside the graves of his late father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, and son, Fidel Odinga.
