A standing ovation filled Nyayo National Stadium on Friday as Bishop David Kodia of the Anglican Diocese of Bondo delivered a fiery and deeply emotional sermon during the state funeral of Raila Amolo Odinga. The atmosphere, already heavy with grief, shifted into one of reflection and conviction as Bishop Kodia challenged Kenya’s leadership to uphold the moral and ethical values that Raila Odinga had embodied throughout his political life.
Addressing the thousands of mourners who had gathered — from ordinary citizens to global dignitaries — Bishop Kodia spoke with unflinching honesty about the state of the nation. He condemned corruption, greed, and the culture of political handouts that, in his view, had eroded the moral fabric of society. His words carried the weight of truth and the tone of urgency, warning leaders that those who exploit power for personal gain would not escape divine judgment.
“When we proclaim the Word, we should not be fearful,” he declared to thunderous applause. His message was both spiritual and political, intertwining faith with civic responsibility. He reminded those in authority — from governors and MPs to MCAs — that leadership was not a privilege to be abused but a calling to serve. Each rebuke seemed to pierce through the solemn air, igniting murmurs of agreement and bursts of applause across the stadium.
The crowd’s response was electric. At one point, mourners rose to their feet, waving flags and clapping passionately as Bishop Kodia called for a moral awakening in Kenya. His sermon resonated not only as a tribute to Raila’s life but also as a national reflection on justice, integrity, and courage. Many interpreted his words as a continuation of Raila’s lifelong struggle against corruption and inequality — a final charge to the living to continue what the late leader began.
He described Raila Odinga as a man who led not through wealth or intimidation, but through conviction, resilience, and the belief that Kenya could be better. In a tone that blended admiration with challenge, Kodia urged Kenyans to go beyond mourning — to honor Raila’s memory by living out the ideals he stood for. “Let us not cry for Raila only in words,” he said. “Let us cry through change, through truth, and through service.”
The sermon, impassioned and fearless, cut across political divides. Even those who had once opposed Raila seemed moved by the message. For a moment, grief united Kenyans under a common purpose — to reflect on what true leadership means and how far the nation still has to go.
As the applause died down and the crowd slowly settled, Bishop Kodia’s words lingered in the air, echoing a challenge to every listener: to rise above self-interest and work toward the Kenya that Raila envisioned — free, fair, and rooted in justice.
When the service concluded, many mourners described the sermon as a defining moment of the day — a reminder that even in death, Raila Odinga continued to inspire action. His farewell had turned into a call for renewal, and through Bishop Kodia’s voice, the message was unmistakable: Kenya must not let Raila’s dream die.
Image by The Star
