By Anderson Ojwang
The late Raila Odinga, before his death, must have been on a mission to accomplish the spirit and the aspirations of the country’s National Anthem, the foundation of the country at independence.
And indeed, he accomplished the mission, and that is why, when he passed on peacefully in India on the morning of 15 October 2025, and within 72 hours the county and the world converged at Kango Ka Jaramogi and online to pay their last respects, honour, and witness mission accomplished.
In his last powerful speech in Karachuonyo during the burial of the matriarch Mama Phoebe Muga Asiyo, he evoked the spirits of the National Anthem of peace, unity, liberty and rising to defend the nation.
“I do not regret what we did. We did it in the best interest of our country and Kenya must move forward. We were in a very serious situation sometime last year. Everybody knows where we were.
There was a possibility of Kenya degenerating into a failed state. People who do not understand history talk very easily.
Ask them what happened in Libya? What happened in Egypt after the Arab Spring? Why do we have a military regime in Egypt today after the Arab Spring? Even Tunisia — people do not understand — that is why they are making it very simple and they are not able to write articles in the newspapers. I read them and I just laugh.
They tried to trivialise what was a very serious situation. What we have today is basically something that was forced upon us because of the circumstances that existed at that time. I want to invite somebody to tell me their own solution — how this could have been solved. We sacrificed so that there could be peace in this country, and that is the reason why we are here today,” he said.
The powerful and last speech to the nation echoes with the country’s National Anthem: “O God of all creation, bless this our land and nation. Justice be our shield and defender, may we dwell in unity, peace and liberty.
Plenty be found within our borders. Let one and all arise with hearts both strong and true. Service be our earnest endeavour, and our homeland of Kenya, heritage of splendour, firm may we stand to defend.
Let all with one accord in common bond united build this our nation together, and the glory of Kenya, the fruit of our labour, fill every heart with thanksgiving.”
In Raila’s mission, he started by uniting his community in East Africa, from Ethiopia, Uganda, Congo and Tanzania, who last year converged in Siaya County during the Piny Luo Cultural ceremony, which was attended by President William Ruto and Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni. Delegations from these countries converged and visited Got Ramogi, a site of cultural significance to the Luo community.
“We gather here at a time in which the world is increasingly interconnected through globalisation, while at the same time we are witnessing the resurgence of nationalist aspirations.
This resurgence of nationalist aspirations is being complemented by the emergence of multi-nationalism, which is nurtured by resilient communities. These multi-national aspirations do not seek to undermine national projects in their host countries but rather to harness the linguistic, cultural and social fabric upon which most states were built,” he said then.
From uniting his community, Raila moved to unite the nation by reconciling President Ruto and his predecessor, former President Uhuru Kenyatta.
This culminated in President Ruto visiting Uhuru’s Ichaweri home, and he later appointed to the Cabinet five allies of Uhuru. In a statement dated 9 December 2024, it read in part: “His Excellency President William Ruto today visited former President Uhuru Kenyatta at his family home in Gatundu. During the visit, the two national leaders discussed several issues of national and regional importance.
President Ruto took the opportunity to reiterate his appreciation and commendation of His Excellency President Kenyatta’s statesmanship in overseeing the peaceful transfer of power after the 2022 elections, as well as the goodwill the former President has continued to demonstrate towards his fellow leaders and his support for Kenya’s ongoing progress and development.
They also underscored the importance of cultivating a nationalistic, patriotic, and harmonious working relationship among all Kenyans and stakeholders, including the three arms of government, religious leaders, civil society, and other partners, to ensure collective national stability and progress. Additionally, the leaders appreciated the need to achieve broader and more inclusive political consensus in the governance of our country to accelerate the attainment of inclusive growth and fulfil the national development agenda.”
From Uhuru, Raila united and brokered peace between President Ruto and his rival from the Kalenjin community, Gideon Moi, the son of Kenya’s second President, Daniel Moi.
Moi, who had expressed interest in the Baringo senatorial by-election scheduled for this month, withdrew from the race and is likely to be appointed to the Cabinet.
“I told Gideon, kindly join me and let us pull the country together. I have had conversations with Raila Odinga. I have sat down with my predecessor, Uhuru Kenyatta, and explained to him that we need to move this country to the next level.
And I have looked for my brother Gideon. I told him it is time for us to move Kenya to the next level. We must work together, and that is why I looked for Gideon.
I told him, I want you to come and help me pull this country together to elevate it to the next level. If there is a mistake anywhere, blame it on me,” he said.
Gideon, in a statement, wrote: “We’ve elected to pursue the path of unity and shared purpose at this crucial point in our nation. As such, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the people of Baringo for their support and for granting us a chance to move beyond our differences and mould a cohesive and prosperous nation.”
Raila also maintained constant contact with the opposition and consulted with Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, among others.
The delegation visiting Kango Ka Jaramogi from every corner of the country and political divide is testimony that Raila, in his death, accomplished the spirit and aspirations of the National Anthem.
