VantaViper
Well-known member
In the sombre streets of Kisumu, Kenya's western city where Raila Odinga's heartland resides, tens of thousands of mourners have gathered to bid farewell to the country's beloved former prime minister. The crowd was overcome with emotion as they filed past Odinga's open coffin at Jomo Kenyatta Stadium, many crying out 'we are orphans' in their grief.
Odinga, 80, died at an Indian hospital on Wednesday and his body has been flown to his farm near Bondo town for burial. His funeral service will be held at a university in Bondo on Sunday before a private burial at his late father's homestead with a family mausoleum.
A child of independence, Odinga endured decades of struggle and sacrifice for the broader cause of freedom and self-governance in Kenya. He repeatedly cited the manipulation of votes as grounds for contesting election results - five times losing presidential campaigns before becoming prime minister in 2007 amid a bloody and disputed election.
Time and again, I personally saw him put the interests of his country ahead of his own ambitions, Obama said in a statement. Like few other leaders anywhere, he was willing to choose the path of peaceful reconciliation without compromising his core values. Through his life, Raila Odinga set an example not just for Kenyans but across Africa and around the world.
Mourners echoed Obama's sentiments. "I remember him for giving us democracy, for giving me our freedom - and now we can talk and we can say anything that we see is bad for us," Jacob Ochieng said about Odinga's impact on the country during his three-decade career.
The public viewing of Odinga's coffin has concluded and he will be laid to rest in a ceremony expected to draw thousands, including members of his Orange Democratic Movement. His widow Ida had appealed to those gathered there to grieve in a calm manner to avoid chaos that led to the deaths of at least five mourners at other events.
Kisumu is where Barack Obama's Kenyan family hails and overnight the former US president posted his condolences on X, calling Odinga a "true champion of democracy". Many wear orange - the party colour of Odinga's Orange Democratic Movement - and wave branches, a traditional symbol of mourning and grief among the Luo ethnic group to which Odinga belonged.
Following the bloody 2007 election, he became prime minister in a unity government. He repeatedly said he was cheated of victory, citing vote manipulation.
Odinga, 80, died at an Indian hospital on Wednesday and his body has been flown to his farm near Bondo town for burial. His funeral service will be held at a university in Bondo on Sunday before a private burial at his late father's homestead with a family mausoleum.
A child of independence, Odinga endured decades of struggle and sacrifice for the broader cause of freedom and self-governance in Kenya. He repeatedly cited the manipulation of votes as grounds for contesting election results - five times losing presidential campaigns before becoming prime minister in 2007 amid a bloody and disputed election.
Time and again, I personally saw him put the interests of his country ahead of his own ambitions, Obama said in a statement. Like few other leaders anywhere, he was willing to choose the path of peaceful reconciliation without compromising his core values. Through his life, Raila Odinga set an example not just for Kenyans but across Africa and around the world.
Mourners echoed Obama's sentiments. "I remember him for giving us democracy, for giving me our freedom - and now we can talk and we can say anything that we see is bad for us," Jacob Ochieng said about Odinga's impact on the country during his three-decade career.
The public viewing of Odinga's coffin has concluded and he will be laid to rest in a ceremony expected to draw thousands, including members of his Orange Democratic Movement. His widow Ida had appealed to those gathered there to grieve in a calm manner to avoid chaos that led to the deaths of at least five mourners at other events.
Kisumu is where Barack Obama's Kenyan family hails and overnight the former US president posted his condolences on X, calling Odinga a "true champion of democracy". Many wear orange - the party colour of Odinga's Orange Democratic Movement - and wave branches, a traditional symbol of mourning and grief among the Luo ethnic group to which Odinga belonged.
Following the bloody 2007 election, he became prime minister in a unity government. He repeatedly said he was cheated of victory, citing vote manipulation.
just read about Raila Odinga's passing and I gotta say its a huge loss for Kenya 
he always spoke truth to power and fought for democracy & freedom 
i remember when he first came into politics his determination was inspiring 
obama's right though, Odinga's legacy goes beyond kenya, its a symbol of hope for africa & the world 
lets keep his memory alive by celebrating his life & work 
...can't believe we lost Odinga at his age 
. Hope the nation can put its differences aside and show respect to a man who fought for democracy 
.
. i mean, five times running for president and still fighting for what he believes in? that takes guts, you know?
. it's like, we're all gonna miss him, but his legacy is still here, inspiring us to keep pushing forward towards a more just & equitable society 
.
, but at the same time, I think it's kinda crazy that Kenya is actually mourning his death instead of celebrating his life and all the good stuff he did for the country 
. Don't get me wrong, Odinga was definitely a big deal for Kenya, but can't we just acknowledge his flaws too instead of glossing over them? 
what I'm also thinking about is how his life and struggles can serve as a model for future leaders who want to make a difference in their countries 
What I admire most about Odinga is that he never compromised on his values, even when it meant going against the status quo. He gave us a sense of hope and democracy, and for that, I'm forever grateful. 
. Plus, it's not like it's gonna bring him back or anything, you feel?
. I mean, I get the party spirit, but come on, it's a funeral!
tens of thousands showin up to bid farewell to Raila Odinga 
he was like a symbol of hope for democracy in Kenya 
after independence, the country was stuck in a one-party system 
he fought for free & fair elections, but it took him 5 tries before gettin the top spot 
Odinga's career spanned over 3 decades 
he was a key player in Kenya's transition to democracy 
despite losin elections, he never gave up on the cause 
is still celebrated by Kenyans today? 
his condolences were really heartfelt too, RIP Raila you may be out of office but your spirit will live on in our hearts 
i've been binge watching all day and i'm literally hooked again 
Omg what's happening in Kisumu? 
. Anyway, glad Obama's paying his respects - I always loved how genuine he is 
his sacrifice wont go in vain lets learn from him and carry on his legacy 
... and what's with all this emphasis on "peaceful reconciliation"? just a bunch of spin to make him sound like some kind of saint.
.