Maurice Ogeta, the long-serving bodyguard of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, has penned an emotional tribute, describing Odinga as a mentor, father, and comrade. Ogeta served Odinga for nearly 18 years, accompanying him to India for medical attention and witnessing his final moments.

• Ogeta described his service to Odinga as a life-changing experience that shaped his personal and professional growth, comparing Odinga's quest for a freer continent to that of Nelson Mandela.
• The tribute recounts Odinga's legacy as marked by personal sacrifices for a better Kenyan nation.
• Ogeta was among those who oversaw the preparation and repatriation of Odinga's body, showing visible grief upon its return to Kenya.
• In July 2023, Ogeta's loyalty was tested when he was abducted and questioned about Odinga's activities during the Azimio protests.

During the State Funeral for former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga, his brother, Dr. Oburu Oginga, delivered an emotional tribute, recalling Raila's exceptional childhood brilliance and unwavering commitment to justice.

• Oburu Oginga, Siaya Senator, proudly stated that Raila was always Number One in class, excelling academically and in sports like triple jump and pole vaulting.
• He described Raila as a protective and courageous sibling, guided by truth and an uncompromising sense of justice from an early age.
• Oburu revealed that Raila passed away on his birthday, October 15, expressing deep personal loss and acknowledging Raila as his political leader and mentor despite being older.

Winnie Odinga, daughter of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, shared details of her father's peaceful death on October 15, 2025, while in her arms during treatment in India. She refuted social media rumors, emphasizing that he died "strong, with dignity, and with pride" after a physically active morning.

• Raila Odinga died on October 15, 2025, in India.
• His daughter, East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) legislator Winnie Odinga, was present during his final moments.
• Winnie Odinga highlighted her father's lessons on sacrifice, justice, and leadership, and his love for storytelling and music, urging mourners to walk with heads held high in his honor.

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta vowed to uphold the legacy of the late Raila Odinga, emphasizing the protection of democratic freedoms and national unity. Speaking at a state funeral service at Nyayo Stadium, Kenyatta lauded Odinga's contributions to Kenya's democracy.

• Kenyatta likened Odinga to liberation icons like Mzee Jomo Kenyatta and Julius Nyerere, pledging to defend the freedoms for which Odinga fought.
• He highlighted Odinga's pivotal role in Kenya's democratic transformation, including the fight against one-party rule and his belief in multiparty democracy.
• Kenyatta recounted the March 2018 Handshake between him and Odinga, which eased political tensions and led to the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI).

During a solemn State Funeral ceremony at Nyayo National Stadium on Thursday, President William Ruto delivered a moving tribute to the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, describing him as a statesman whose life and legacy transcended politics and acknowledging his role in steadying his administration.

• President Ruto stated, "To you, Baba, I owe you. And I am truly and eternally grateful that our path crossed and that we shared this journey together."
• Ruto recalled Odinga's support in "steady the nation and help anchor my leadership, culminating in the birth of a broad-based government."
• Odinga was described as "a man who walked among us, but charged among us as a movement — a movement for justice, inclusivity, and a greater Kenya."

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta delivered a poignant eulogy for Raila Odinga at his state funeral, highlighting Raila's crucial role in Kenya's history and his commitment to peace and unity. Uhuru also shared personal anecdotes, including humorous recollections of conversations they shared.

• Uhuru Kenyatta eulogized Raila Odinga during his state funeral on Friday, October 17, at Nyayo National Stadium.
• Uhuru praised Raila as a beacon of peace, democracy, and human rights, stating that Kenya's history is "not complete without Raila as number one."
• He recounted sharing "porridge and tea" with Raila, during which they discussed their forefathers.
• Uhuru concluded by offering his condolences to Raila's family, including his widow, Mama Ida Odinga, and their children, promising to care for them.

At Nyayo National Stadium, President William Ruto led thousands of mourners in an emotional rendition of Harry Belafonte’s “Jamaica Farewell,” the late Raila Odinga’s favorite song, during his funeral service on Friday, October 17. The poignant tribute honored Odinga’s life and decades-long struggle for Kenya’s democracy.

• The song, originally by legendary American singer Harry Belafonte, was described by President Ruto as a “melody of longing and gentle sorrow.”
• Attendees included Mama Ida Odinga, the Odinga family, visiting heads of state, and Kenyan leaders from across the political spectrum.
• President Ruto described Raila Odinga as a man who had “sailed many seas for the sake of his country” and whose heart “belonged to the people,” enduring years of imprisonment and struggle for the "principle of service."