During a deeply emotional tribute at her father’s state funeral, Winnie Odinga recounted the final moments she shared with Raila Amolo Odinga before his death in India. Speaking with visible grief yet remarkable composure, Winnie told mourners that her father died in her arms, but not in the way social media rumors had suggested. She emphasized that Raila’s passing was peaceful, dignified, and reflective of the strength that had defined his entire life.
Winnie explained that in his final days, Raila remained active and strong, continuing his morning walks even as his health declined. “Every day he was walking one round, then two rounds the next day. That morning, he pushed to five rounds,” she recalled, adding that his determination and pride remained unshaken to the very end.
She urged Kenyans not to view her father’s death as a moment of sorrow but as a reminder of his enduring courage and resilience. “He died strong, with dignity and pride. You must be proud of that,” she said, her voice steady yet full of emotion. Winnie encouraged mourners to find strength in Raila’s legacy and to continue the work he began for Kenya’s freedom, unity, and democracy.
Reflecting on her relationship with her father, Winnie described him as both a parent and a hero. “To the world, you were known by many names, but to me, you were simply Dad,” she said. She shared fond memories of his humor, intelligence, and love for challenges — from asking riddles at home to keeping the family thinking on their toes.
Winnie also spoke about Raila’s meticulous nature, noting that he had even planned details of his funeral. She revealed that he had requested to be buried within 72 hours of his death, a decision she jokingly described as “typical of Dad — always testing us, even beyond the grave.”
As she concluded her emotional tribute, Winnie confessed that her father’s passing left a void that could never be filled. “The biggest part of me died on October 15, 2025. But the spirit of the lion roars on forever. The King is dead, but long live the crown,” she said, drawing tears and applause from mourners gathered at Nyayo National Stadium.
Her heartfelt speech offered a rare and intimate glimpse into the personal side of Kenya’s long-serving opposition leader — a man celebrated as a freedom fighter, statesman, and visionary, but remembered by his daughter most tenderly as a loving father and hero.
Image by Nairobi Leo
