In an emotional tribute at Nyayo National Stadium on Friday, Winnie Odinga revealed intimate details of her father’s final moments, disclosing that former Prime Minister Raila Odinga died in her arms after completing his morning walk.
Speaking during the State Funeral on Friday, October 17, 2025, Winnie dispelled rumors that had circulated on social media about the circumstances of her father’s death, painting instead a picture of a man who remained strong and dignified until his final breath.
“I was with him when he took his last breath. He died in my arms. But he did not die like people have been saying on social media. Every day he woke up and walked. He would do one round. Sometimes two rounds. That morning, he did five rounds,” Winnie revealed.
She emphasized that her father’s death was not marked by weakness or suffering, but rather by the same strength and determination that had defined his life.
“He died strong and with dignity and with pride. We all must walk with our heads held high, as he left as a gentleman,” she said.
On behalf of the Odinga family, Winnie expressed deep gratitude to Kenyans from all corners of the country who had turned out to mourn their beloved leader.
“As a family, we thank all of you from Turkana to Lamu, from Isiolo to the shores of Lake Victoria,” she said, acknowledging the nationwide outpouring of grief that had characterized the past two days. “The King is dead, but long live the crown.”
Winnie reflected on the many names and titles her father had accumulated throughout his storied political career, but emphasized that to her, he was simply her father.
“Dad, you were a light. Steady and deeply human. To the world, you were known by many names. When we were growing up, they used to call you ‘Aluo’. When you started work, they called you ‘Jaramogi’s son’. At some point, they started calling you ‘Tinga’. At another point, it was ‘Agwambo’. Briefly there they called you ‘Nyundo’. They called you ‘Jakom’. They called you ‘Baba Fidel’. But in the end, they called you ‘Baba’. To me, you were simply Dad,” she said.
The tribute captured the duality of Raila Odinga’s life, a towering political figure to the nation, but ultimately a father, husband, and family man to his loved ones.
Winnie’s tribute was delivered at Nyayo National Stadium, which was filled to capacity with mourners from across Kenya and distinguished guests from around the world.
The Odinga family, led by Mama Ida Odinga and Dr. Oburu Oginga, sat in the front rows alongside Raila’s children as they received condolences from the nation.
President William Ruto and First Lady Rachel Ruto attended the State Funeral, along with foreign dignitaries including Ethiopian President Taye Atsé Selassie, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, and former Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete.
Leaders from the united opposition, governors from across the country, Cabinet Secretaries, and members of the diplomatic corps were present, reflecting the broad reach of Raila’s political career.
Throughout the ceremony, civilians in the stadium sang “Baba usilale, bado Mapambano” (Father, don’t sleep; the struggle continues), capturing his determination to carry forward the values he championed.
