Today Wednesday 15th October the heart of Kenyan nation beats heavy with grief following the death of former prime minister Raila Odinga who died in India where he was receiving treatment.
According to many Kenyans a great tree has fallen and the sun rose cloaked in the mourning with a cloud of grief lingering in Kenya, Africa and world at Lange.
Former Prime Minister Raila Amollo Odinga, affectionately known as Baba, breathed his last at Devamatha Hospital at Koothattukulam in Kerala India after experiencing cardiac arrest according to doctors .
Kisumu Governor, Prof. P. Anyang’ Nyong’o, in his heartfelt tribute, described him as simple yet powerfull.
“A powerful man has just rested. The lion has returned to the mountain. The storm has stilled, but the thunder of his footsteps will echo for generations.” Said the governor
He went on to call him “The Enigma” and “The Son of the Soil” titles befitting a man whose life was deeply rooted in the soul of Kenyan leadership .
“A man like Raila Odinga does not die but he transcends. he takes a break,a halftime and warrior’s rest after decades on the frontlines of justice, democracy, and the dreams of a nation.” Said Nyongo.
Indeed, Raila Odinga was never just a politician,he was a phenomenon,a force. a movement these were voices poured by Kenyans across the country and in all social media platforms.
Many politicians also echoed him of being strong and a saviour who crossed the chambers of parliament, whispered in cold prison cells and rang out through streets crowded with hope and hunger for change in fight for democracy .
According to Trans Nzoia governor George Natembeya Raila did not seek power for its own sake rather he embodied power drawn from conviction, pain, endurance and an unrelenting for the sake of Kenyans .
“He was beaten but unbroken, vilified yet unwavering. Imprisoned, exiled, betrayed yet never silenced he was true leader ,” said Natembeya .
Kisumu Governor further noted Raila’s fingerprints are on the Constitution we now hold dear.
“His footprints mark every polling station where democracy was demanded, every courtroom where justice was sought, every street where peaceful protests sang the anthem of freedom Even in the fiercest storms of politics, Baba was the calm at the center. Focused. Resolute. Ready,” said Kisumu governor .
