I Have Lost a Friend and a Brother- Uhuru Kenyatta Mourns Raila Odinga in Heartfelt Tribute

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has expressed deep sorrow following the death of former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga, describing him as a “friend, brother, and a true son of Kenya.”

In a moving message of condolence issued on October 15, 2025, Kenyatta reflected on his long and complex relationship with Odinga — a partnership that evolved from fierce political rivalry to mutual respect and unity.

“My heart is heavy, and my spirit is burdened with a grief that is both profound and deeply personal,” Uhuru said in his statement. “The news of Raila’s passing has left a silence that echoes across our nation, a silence where once there was a voice of thunder and conviction.”

The former president recalled their shared journey through Kenya’s turbulent political landscape, noting how their opposing visions for the nation eventually converged in the spirit of reconciliation.

“To me, Raila was more than a political colleague; he was a defining part of my own journey, in public service and in life,” he said.

“We were navigators on opposing currents, charting different courses for the nation we both loved. At some point, we became political opponents — and often, the weight of that competition felt immense.”

Kenyatta spoke fondly of the man Kenyans affectionately called Baba, describing him as a passionate debater and a relentless champion for justice.

“Baba was a man who made you sharpen your own ideas, compelling you to defend your positions with rigor and passion. However, in recent years, a different bond was forged; one of respect, of shared patriotism, and a common desire to see a united Kenya,” Uhuru wrote.

The former president highlighted the historic Handshake between him and Odinga in 2018 as a defining moment — one that turned political rivalry into a national movement for peace and unity.

“That journey from fierce political opponents to partners in the pursuit of ‘Handshake’ unity taught me the true measure of the man. I saw firsthand his unwavering passion for this country, his deep-seated belief in justice, and his incredible capacity to think beyond personal ambition for the sake of national peace,” he added.

Kenyatta said Odinga’s passing was not only a personal loss but also a monumental one for Kenya, describing him as a statesman whose legacy is woven into the nation’s democratic and social fabric.

“I have lost a friend and a brother. I will miss our conversations — sometimes challenging, always insightful — and the fire of belief that never left his eyes,” he mourned.

Uhuru extended his deepest condolences to Raila’s widow, Mama Ida Odinga, their children, and the entire Odinga family.

“You have shared Baba with Kenya for a lifetime, and we mourn with you,” Kenyatta said. “We have lost a father to the nation, a steadfast champion for the people, and a true son of Kenya.”

He concluded his tribute with a solemn message of peace and remembrance:

“His legacy is not just in the political battles he fought, but in the peace he helped build. It is etched in the very fabric of our nation. Rest in peace, my brother. Your work here is done, but your echo will never fade.”

Raila Odinga, Kenya’s former Prime Minister and long-time opposition leader, passed away in India while receiving medical treatment. His death has drawn an outpouring of grief and tributes from leaders across the world, marking the end of an era in Kenya’s political history.