By Mulembe Times | October 18, 2025
Former U.S. President Barack Obama has paid a glowing tribute to the late Raila Amolo Odinga, describing him as “a true friend and champion of democracy” following the death of the former Kenyan Prime Minister earlier this week.
In a heartfelt message shared on his official X (Twitter) account, Obama expressed deep sorrow over Raila’s passing, recalling the long friendship between their families and Raila’s enduring influence on Kenya’s democratic journey.
“Raila Odinga was a true friend and a tireless champion of democracy—not only in Kenya but across Africa,” Obama wrote. “His courage, sacrifice, and commitment to justice inspired generations. Michelle and I send our deepest condolences to the Odinga family and to all Kenyans mourning his loss.”
Obama, whose father hailed from Kenya’s Siaya County, noted that Raila played a pivotal role in shaping Kenya’s post-independence politics. He praised Odinga’s lifelong fight for justice, multi-party democracy, and good governance, describing him as “a man who never stopped believing in Kenya’s promise.”
A Friendship Rooted in Shared History
The Odinga and Obama families share historical ties that stretch back decades. Barack Obama Sr., the former U.S. President’s father, was a contemporary of Raila’s late father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, Kenya’s first Vice President. Both men were close allies of founding President Jomo Kenyatta during the independence struggle before later parting ways politically.
Obama and Raila met several times during Obama’s visits to Kenya, notably during the 2006 and 2018 trips. In 2018, Obama visited Raila at his Capitol Hill office in Nairobi shortly after the famous “Handshake” between Raila and President Uhuru Kenyatta — a move that calmed post-election tensions and paved the way for national dialogue.
“I admired Raila’s resilience and his belief that progress requires both conviction and compromise,” Obama noted. “He embodied the spirit of reconciliation that Kenya needed at critical moments.”
Global Tributes Continue to Pour In
Obama’s tribute joins a chorus of messages from world leaders, African presidents, and international organizations who have celebrated Raila’s legacy as a reformist and statesman.
Among those who have sent condolences include South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, and U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres, who described Raila as “a symbol of Africa’s democratic awakening.”
Final Journey Home
Raila Odinga’s body will lie in state at Parliament Buildings in Nairobi for public viewing before being transported to Kisumu County for a final farewell. According to the funeral committee, a major memorial service will be held at Jomo Kenyatta Stadium in Mamboleo ahead of burial at his rural home in Bondo, Siaya County.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, who chairs the national funeral committee, has assured the public of a peaceful and dignified farewell, urging mourners to honor Raila’s legacy by upholding peace and unity.
