My Hero Has Rested: Babu Owino’s Heartfelt Tribute to Raila Odinga

Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has penned a moving message mourning the death of former Prime Minister and ODM Party Leader Raila Amolo Odinga, describing him as more than just a political mentor — but as a father figure who shaped his life both personally and politically.

In a heartfelt tribute shared shortly after news of Odinga’s passing broke, Babu recounted the deep personal bond he shared with the late opposition leader, revealing how Raila filled the void left by the death of his own father when he was still a young boy.

“This day will forever be etched in my heart. The day my greatest hero rested. Raila Amolo Odinga was more than my political mentor, he was like a father to me. I grew up without a dad after he passed on when I was in class 3, and when I came to Nairobi and met Baba, he took me under his wings and became my father both in politics and in life,” Babu wrote.

The legislator expressed his profound grief, saying Raila’s death had left an unfillable void in his heart.

“I loved him deeply and his loss has left a hole in my heart that only God can fill,” he added.

Babu extended his condolences to Mama Ida Odinga, their children Rose, Junior, and Winnie Odinga, and the entire Odinga family, acknowledging the immense pain they must be enduring.

“My heart goes out to his family: Mama Ida Odinga, Rose Odinga, Junior Odinga, Winnie Odinga, their grandchildren and their entire family. I cannot begin to imagine your pain and heartbreak. I can only pray that God comforts you and grants you peace and strength that surpasses all understanding during this difficult time,” he stated.

The youthful MP praised Raila’s lifelong dedication to public service, democracy, and justice, describing him as “a fierce champion for the people” and “a man whose legacy will never fade.”

“As we mourn his passing, we also celebrate a legacy that will never fade. We celebrate a man that gave everything for his country. A fierce champion for the people. A man of incredible, undeniable influence. Words fail me because truly no words possibly do justice to the man that was Baba Raila Amolo Odinga,” he said.

Babu Owino concluded his tribute with a solemn farewell, echoing the famous words from scripture:

“You have fought the good fight.

You have finished the race.

Rest well Jakom.

Your light will never fade.

You are forever in my heart.”

The MP’s message mirrors the grief being felt across Kenya and beyond, as the nation mourns the loss of a towering statesman whose impact on the country’s political landscape will be remembered for generations.