Kenya’s President William Ruto on Friday paid tribute to the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, describing him as a central figure in Kenya’s democratic journey and a lifelong advocate of unity and justice.
Speaking during Odinga’s State Funeral at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi, President Ruto reflected on their long and often complex political relationship, crediting Odinga with helping to shape the nation’s political landscape.
“I have come a very long way with Baba,I never imagined he would one day stand with me to steady the nation. To you, Baba, I owe you. I am truly and eternally grateful that our paths crossed, and that we shared this journey together.”Ruto said, using Odinga’s popular nickname.
Ruto praised Odinga’s role in moments of national crisis, saying he consistently placed the country’s interests above his own.
“Whenever the nation needed him to rise above self, he did so unreservedly. Whenever Kenya needed reason, he became the voice of reason,” Ruto said
He described Odinga as “resolute and unyielding” in his pursuit of a fair and inclusive Kenya.
“Those who worked closely with Raila Odinga know he was deeply committed to building a just, prosperous, and united nation a Kenya where opportunity belongs to all,” he added.
Odinga, 80, died on Wednesday while receiving treatment in India for an undisclosed illness. His death marks the end of a defining chapter in Kenya’s post-independence politics.
Widely known as “Baba,” Odinga was a key figure in Kenya’s fight for multi-party democracy and civil rights. Despite contesting and losing five presidential elections, he remained an influential voice in national politics, shaping debate on governance, reform, and inclusion.
He served as Prime Minister between 2008 and 2013 in a coalition government formed after the disputed 2007 election, one of Kenya’s most turbulent political periods.
Thousands of mourners gathered at Nyayo Stadium to pay their final respects, waving palm fronds and tree branches traditional Luo symbols of mourning. The State Funeral followed seven days of national mourning declared by the government.
Odinga will be buried on Sunday at his ancestral home in Bondo, Siaya County, about 60 kilometres west of Kisumu. His family said it was his wish to be laid to rest within 72 hours of his death.
President Ruto said Odinga’s legacy would endure through future generations.
“He taught us that leadership is not about power, but about service.In his passing, Kenya has lost a great son and Africa, a true statesman.”,Ruto said.
