By James Okoth
As the country continues to come to terms with the passing of former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga, religious leaders across the Nyanza region have sent a heartfelt message of condolence to the Odinga family and to the nation at large.
Under the umbrella of the Evangelical Alliance of Kenya (EAK), the clergy have called for calm, unity, and dignity as Kenyans prepare to pay their last respects to the fallen statesman.
Speaking in Kisumu, the church leaders urged residents to honour Raila’s memory through peace and discipline, noting that the late leader stood firmly for justice, dialogue, and the sanctity of life.
“Raila Odinga was a man of peace. To truly mourn him is to emulate that peace,” said Charles K’Okombo.
They further appealed to the youth to resist provocation and to avoid acts of destruction or lawlessness disguised as mourning. The clergy warned that such behaviour only tarnishes the legacy of the man they describe as a national icon of democracy and unity.
At the same time, the church called on law enforcement agencies to exercise restraint during the mourning period, especially around the Kenyatta International Stadium in Kisumu and other venues expected to host massive crowds during the body viewing and memorial events in Kisumu.
“It is not a time for confrontation,” he said. “Let the police maintain order with compassion. Mourners need direction, not aggression.”
The clergy also urged traffic authorities to ensure smooth movement of both people and vehicles as thousands are expected to converge in most streets of the city and later across the Nyanza region for final tributes.
As the body of Raila Odinga makes its way for public viewing, the church’s message is clear — let this moment unite, not divide. Let it be a time of reflection, peace, and gratitude for a life that profoundly shaped the nation’s democratic journey.
In the spirit of his lifelong pursuit for equity and freedom, Kenyans are being called upon to mourn with dignity, love, and respect — the very ideals Raila Odinga stood for until his final day.
