Raila Odinga Junior Honors Late Father on What Would Have Been His Birthday, Thanks Leaders and Supporters

Raila Odinga Junior marked what would have been the late Raila Odinga’s birthday with a heartfelt message. He expressed deep gratitude to Kenyans and world leaders who supported the family after his passing. Junior said the support helped the family endure one of their most painful periods.

The Odinga family singled out President William Ruto, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, and the Kenyan government for their key role in organising Raila’s state funeral. “The Odinga Family wishes to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who stood with us during this profoundly painful time following the passing of our beloved Baba Raila Amolo Odinga,” Junior wrote. He added that the government’s support ensured a dignified farewell.

Junior also thanked funeral committees for their hard work. He extended appreciation to international leaders who came to pay respects. He singled out Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for facilitating Raila’s swift return to Kenya. Former presidents Uhuru Kenyatta, Olusegun Obasanjo of Nigeria, Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana, and Jakaya Kikwete of Tanzania, along with African Development Bank President Akinwumi Adesina, were also acknowledged.

The family thanked county governors and assemblies for supporting the funeral arrangements. They highlighted Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o, and Siaya Governor James Orengo. Parliamentary leaders, including National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula and Senate Speaker Amason Kingi, and Chief of Defence Forces General Charles Muriu Kahariri, were also recognised for their coordination.

As the new head of the Odinga family, Junior paid tribute to the ODM Party fraternity and staff who stayed loyal to Raila throughout his political career. He also thanked medical teams that cared for his father in Kenya and India. Specialists at Devamatha Hospital in Kerala and Nairobi Hospital were praised for their compassion and dedication.

Through his message, Raila Odinga Junior highlighted the unity, support, and love that helped the family navigate the months following the loss of one of Kenya’s most prominent leaders. His tribute reinforced the enduring legacy of Raila Odinga and the respect he commanded locally and internationally.