Written by John Mutiso
The family of former Kenya Prime Minister Raila Odinga has penned an emotional message thanking President William Ruto, former President Uhuru Kenyatta, and several international leaders for the support they received following Raila’s death on October 15, 2025.
The message was published on January 7, a date that also marks what would have been Odinga’s 81st birthday, turning the day into both a moment of remembrance and national reflection on his political legacy.
In the statement, the family described the period as “profoundly painful” and expressed gratitude to Kenyans and the international community for standing with them after his death.
The Odinga family singled out President William Ruto for what they described as profound support during their time of grief. They also acknowledged support from Deputy President Prof Kithure Kindiki, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, and Chief Justice Martha Koome.
“We would like to acknowledge the profound support of the President of Kenya, H.E. Dr. William Samoei Ruto, Deputy President, H.E. Prof. Kithure Kindiki, Prime Cabinet Secretary H.E. Musalia Mudavadi, Chief Justice Martha Koome, and the entire government of the Republic of Kenya for their outstanding support, understanding, and kindness,” read part of the statement.
Governors across the country were also thanked for facilitating logistics during the funeral period, with special mention of Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o, and Siaya Governor James Orengo.
The Odinga family also expressed appreciation to several world leaders, especially India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, for personally intervening to bring Raila back to the country swiftly.
Former presidents, including Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya, Olusegun Obasanjo of Nigeria, and Nana Addo Akufo-Addo of Ghana, were also recognized.
“We are also grateful to H.E. Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India, for his personal involvement and his government’s assistance in bringing Baba back home safely. Additionally, we are deeply appreciative of the condolences and presence from former Presidents H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta, H.E. Olusegun Obasanjo (Nigeria), H.E. Nane Addo Akufo-Addo (Ghana), H.E. Jakaya Kikwete (Tanzania), and H.E. Akinwumi Adesina (African Development Bank). Your willingness to travel there to pay your respects means the world to us,” read part of the tribute.
The family also extended special recognition to the medical professionals who attended to Odinga during his final days. They named doctors from both private and referral hospitals in Nairobi, praising their compassion and commitment to his well-being.
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party fraternity and staff were also thanked for standing by Odinga throughout his illness and for continuing to support the family after his passing.
In addition, media houses, both local and international, were acknowledged for what the family called professional coverage of Odinga’s life.
Kenyans and other leaders, including Ali Hassan Joho, the cabinet secretary for mining and blue economy, have also shared their birthday tributes on social media.
Kisumu governor Anyang’ Nyong’o has also shared a three-page tribute in celebration of Odinga’s legacy.
“Today, we mark a birthday not with celebration, but with contemplation, not with applause, but with silence heavy with meaning. We have no doubt lost; Raila Amollo Odinga was Kenya’s political colossus, Africa’s democratic conscience, and one of the most consequential architects of multiparty democracy in the postcolonial world,” read part of the tribute,” read part of the tribute.
