Odinga Family Pays Tribute to Raila Odinga, Thanks Kenyans and World Leaders on His Birthday

The Odinga family has released a heartfelt message of gratitude as they commemorated the birthday of the late Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga CGH on January 7, 2026, marking a solemn moment of remembrance following his passing.

In a statement issued on behalf of the family, they expressed deep appreciation to Kenyans and leaders from across the world who stood with them during what they described as a profoundly painful period. The family acknowledged the overwhelming support and solidarity shown since the loss of the veteran statesman, fondly known as Baba.

The Odingas particularly thanked President William Samoei Ruto, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, and the entire Government of Kenya for their outstanding support and kindness.

They also recognised the various funeral committees whose coordination ensured Baba was accorded a dignified and proper send-off.

Special gratitude was extended to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government for facilitating the swift repatriation of Raila Odinga’s body back to Kenya.

The family further acknowledged the presence and condolences of several former heads of state and senior leaders, including former President Uhuru Kenyatta, Nigeria’s Olusegun Obasanjo, Ghana’s Nana Akufo-Addo, Tanzania’s Jakaya Kikwete, and African Development Bank President Akinwumi Adesina, noting that their willingness to travel long distances meant a great deal to them.

The family also thanked county governments and assemblies across Kenya for their role in ensuring a smooth farewell, with special mention of Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o, and Siaya Governor James Orengo. Recognition was also given to General Charles Muriu Kahariri, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula, Senate Speaker Amason Kingi, and Members of Parliament for their seamless coordination of events.

Additionally, the Odingas expressed gratitude to the media for their comprehensive coverage of Baba’s life and legacy, as well as to the ODM Party fraternity and staff who stood by him throughout his lifetime and during the mourning period.

A special acknowledgment was reserved for the medical teams in India and Kenya, led by Dr. David Oluoch-Olunya, Dr. Martin Wanyoike, Dr. Eva Njenga, Dr. Robin Mogere, and Dr. Abdul Msaddi, alongside staff from Devamatha Hospital in Kerala and Nairobi Hospital, for their compassionate care.

The family concluded by thanking Kenyans for the love, prayers, and messages of support, saying it brought them comfort to know how deeply Baba touched so many lives.