By Anderson Ojwang

Raila Amolo Odinga will today make a triumphant return to Bondo as hero, statesman, enigma and Baba.

Against previous expectations by his political opponents, who for eons wanted to return and retire him to Bondo as a villain and a bitter loser, Raila on his deathbed has had the last laugh.

From every corner of the world, Raila has received glowing tributes and back at home tears have been flowing freely and the love has been outpouring. The enigma, the king, is dead but long live the crown.

On 26 September 2023, Raila said, “Some people have been saying that they will take me back to Bondo. I want to tell them, I know the way to Bondo better than them. That is my home and I know it better than anybody else.”

After the election of the AU Chairman, Raila said, “I wanted to go to AU, but now I am back home. Do you want me to move back to Bondo and live there? I want what is good for all Kenyans.”

Today, Raila returns to Bondo, his birthplace, as a history writer, liberator, hero, statesman, peacemaker and above all, an enigma and Baba.

The mystic Raila’s return leaves his opponents embarrassed and unsettled by the kind of respect and love he continues to draw locally and globally, even in death.

As a hero and a king, Raila is the first civilian to have been driven in a military vehicle that previously carried the late President Mwai Kibaki and the late General Francis Omondi Ogolla, who was the Chief of Defence Forces.

Raila became the third person, and the only civilian, to have enjoyed the status of a military procession, and the pallbearers were Colonels — a rank below the Major who carries the body of Presidents.

In the procession were military vehicles — an honour for a statesman and Baba.

President William Ruto gave Raila a state burial, declared seven days of mourning, ordered the flying of the national flag at half-mast and declared Friday a public holiday.

From every corner of the country and at Nyayo Stadium, President Ruto led Kenyans in singing Raila’s favourite song by Harry Belafonte, “Jamaica Farewell.” In unison, they stood up and sang together with the President in honour of one of Kenya’s greatest sons, Raila Amolo Odinga.

Down the way
Where the nights are gay
And the sun shines daily
On the mountaintop
I took a trip
On a sailing ship
And when I reached Jamaica I made a stop

Chorus
But I’m sad to say
I’m on my way
Won’t be back
For many a day
My heart is down
My head is turning around
I had to leave
A little girl in Kingston town

Winnie Odinga, his youngest daughter, capped it by terming her father a superhero, whom people gave several names and sang his favourite song.

“When I learnt that you were to be buried in 72 hours, I laughed. Good old Dad. Testing and planning for all of us, even beyond the grave. I can see you now laughing in your usual manner. I can see you laughing at all of us, knowing that your wish will be done,” she said.

Winnie said, “Raila died strong, with dignity and pride, and we must all be proud of that. We must walk with our heads high and walk strong and proud that he left as a gentleman.”

Similarly, President Ruto, after singing the song, said Raila was exceptional and that there was and can only be one Raila Amolo Odinga.

“Every once in our generation there comes a leader whose impact transcends their moment, whose courage inspires change, and whose vision shapes destinies.
My brother Raila Amolo Odinga was one such leader across space and time. There are few exceptional persons who, when summoned by the call of history, rise to meet the challenges and opportunities of their time with indomitable vigour.
With absolute conviction and unwavering valour, the Right Honourable Raila Amolo Odinga, Wuod Mary, Wuod Nyar Alego Agwanbo, Tinga, Jakom, Enigma, Wuod Piny, Baba — the man in whose honour we gather here today — belonged to that rare breed of human beings.
Raila, as we bid you farewell with deepest gratitude as a nation and as a people, we grieve your loss and celebrate 80 years of your presence. We salute you for the great statesman and patriot you were,” he said.

Ruto said Raila’s demise was an immense loss to the country and that Kenyans stood with the Odinga family.

“We thank you for sharing Raila so generously with Kenyans as a family and as a nation.
Amolo may no longer walk with us, but his spirit lives within every Kenyan and African. Such was the depth of his influence and impact that even in his absence, he endures and lives.
We gather here today not just to mourn but to celebrate his purpose, ideals and visions.
He walked among us as a man but also as a movement — a movement for change, justice, inclusivity, and a greater and better Kenya,” he said.

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta said Raila was his brother and that he was known by several names that defined him.

“We, as Kenyans from all corners of the country, knew and respected him as Baba. We called him Baba because he loved his country, Kenya, more than anything else.
Raila was Baba to all and was never a tribalist; he loved all Kenyans. This was testified by the kind of friends who visited him at his home.
Today, Kenya has lost a leader. When the history of Kenya’s democracy is written, Raila’s name comes first. He leads on all fronts in Kenya’s history. Raila has gone in body, but his spirit lives in us,” he said.

By Special Correspondent

Journalists from the Nyanza region have paid glowing tribute to the former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, describing him as the community’s true North.

They also termed Raila as the father and protector of media freedom in Kenya.

The journalists said Raila deeply understood the media working environment and was never personal with journalists despite instances of negative reports, but instead treated them as his children.

In a statement to newsrooms, the journalists, under their umbrella body Jofuambo, described Raila as a towering figure whose legacy transcended politics and defined the struggle for democracy, justice, and media freedom in Kenya.

Jofuambo is a Luo word for journalists.

The group has more than 500 members scattered across different media outlets in the country and beyond.

National Chairman Festus Amimo said the passing on of Raila will be heavily felt by the community, the country, and the continent at large.

In a heartfelt statement, Amimo paid glowing tribute to the late ODM leader, recalling his unmatched courage, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to defending human rights and the free press.

“We have lost not just a statesman but a father figure who inspired generations to speak truth to power,” Amimo said.

“Raila stood firm for press freedom even when it was inconvenient. His belief in an informed citizenry and an independent media remains a guiding light to our profession.”

The scribes, who hail from Raila’s Nyanza backyard, said his passing left a deep emotional void and leadership vacuum that will be impossible to fill.

They recalled his frequent engagement with journalists, his openness to media scrutiny, and his advice to young reporters to uphold integrity and objectivity.

“As members of the media fraternity, we pay special tribute to his unmatched commitment to defending press freedom. He encouraged us to be bold, to question authority, and to defend the public interest without fear,” Amimo added.

The journalists expressed solidarity with Raila’s family and supporters across the country, saying his ideals of democracy, equity, and freedom must continue to guide the nation.

Veteran scribe Anderson Ojwang’ said Raila’s contribution to the growth of journalism in the country was second to none.

“Baba, you shaped the destiny for some of us. You made us a brand. In our growth in journalism, you impacted,” Ojwang’ said.

“You protected the freedom of the press. We shall miss your wisdom and breaking stories.”

According to Polite Ogolla, Raila exited the stage not as a politician but as an era.

“Raila was not just a name. He was a movement — walking proof that conviction can outlive power,” Ogolla stated.

Recalling his encounter with the late former Prime Minister, James Riaga said Raila had a special way with people, something that informed his huge crowds during campaigns.

“I had the privilege of covering Raila during my early days in the media, including during the 2005 referendum and the 2007 elections. He had a thing with the campaign crowds and many a time, even journalists got carried away in his elements,” Riaga told this publication.

“It will take years to have another Raila in Kenya. Maybe not.”

For Nick Okello Fololo, Baba was a towering monument of democracy and social justice.

“I mourn the Lion. A Lion can never die; he has returned to the mountaintops, with the footsteps reverberating loudly in our private and public views,” he said.

“Covering Raila Odinga as a journalist was an honour in the newsroom. It is through covering his events from 2016, while I worked as a correspondent in Homa Bay, that I discovered his shrewdness in politics and leadership,” added journalist Barack Oduor.

Raila, 80, passed away on Wednesday in India, sparking an outpouring of grief across the nation and beyond.

Residents from his Nyanza backyard will on Saturday have an opportunity to pay their last respects to their leader at Mamboleo ASK Grounds in Kisumu East Constituency.

The remains of the former Prime Minister will be interred next to his mother’s grave in Kang’o Kajaramogi, in line with his wish.

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.

By Sandra Blessing

For Senator Oburu Oginga, October 15th is usually a day to reckon and celebrate. It is a day that he usually celebrates his birthday.

He has religiously celebrated his birthday with his family, including Raila, whose presence has always been significant to him.

But this year, Oburu knew Raila would not attend the birthday party because he was in India undergoing treatment.

Oburu had earlier told a gathering in Siaya County that Raila had gone for a medical check-up in India and would soon return to the country.

“Raila was feeling unwell but I can tell you he is improving. It was not a serious matter and we expect him to return home soon,” he said.

But it never occurred to Oburu that that would be the last time and day he would see and speak to his younger brother.

But as fate would have it, on his birthday, gloom descended upon the Odinga family. It was never to be a birthday celebration but a death day sorrow.

Oburu, who was born on October 15th, 1943, had prepared to celebrate his 82nd birthday but was woken up by the sad news of the demise of Raila, his political leader.

“I had prepared to celebrate my birthday but I found myself mourning my brother. It was a sad and dark day for me,” he said.

Oburu said he had a heavy heart to say farewell to his brother, whom he described as his protector and defender.

“Raila was more than a brother to me, he was my friend, business partner, agemate and adviser. He was everything to me. We grew up together as twins.
When we grew together in Bondo Sakwa, we were three boys. Our mother was a disciplinarian. Raila knew how to cook but I didn’t. Raila was best in class while I was average. Raila was always in position one in class.
Raila was a sportsman and played football, but I was better than him in high jump.
My brother loved to hear news. One day he was late for school, and when he was asked what made him late, he replied that he was still listening to the news, and he was only in Standard Three.
He did not entertain mediocrity and would correct it with a left jab to teach one a lesson. He protected me and the late Agola. He was brave and fought off those who attacked us,” he said.

Oburu said he was honoured by the ODM party to have been made the party leader to replace Raila.

“I want to thank my party, ODM, for making me the acting party leader. I will take the mantle with vigour, and I assure you, I will not disappoint. Even though Raila’s shoes are big, I want to try my best,” he said.