Raila at 81: Ruto and Joho Lead Emotional Posthumous Tributes to Bondo’s Icon
Kenya paused in profound reflection on January 7, 2026—what would have been Raila Amolo Odinga’s 81st birthday—honoring the late opposition icon who passed away on October 15, 2025, at age 80 from a heart attack in India. President William Ruto and Mombasa Senator Hassan Joho delivered heartfelt posthumous tributes, bridging past rivalries to celebrate “Baba’s” indelible role in democracy, unity, and justice. From Nairobi’s streets to Bondo’s shores, grief mingled with gratitude for a life mirroring Kenya’s democratic evolution.
President Ruto’s Statesmanlike Homage
President Ruto, speaking from State House, eulogized Odinga as a “colossus of Kenyan politics” whose sacrifices built multiparty democracy and constitutionalism. “Raila’s commitment to justice and the rule of law laid our republic’s foundations; his vision for a united Kenya endures,” Ruto stated emotionally, transcending their rivalry. He highlighted Odinga’s electoral reforms and community bridging, extending condolences to the Odinga family and Luo nation, signaling reconciliation three months post-funeral.
Ruto’s words resonated nationwide, portraying Odinga as a patriot whose opposition strengthened stability—from 1990s activism to the 2018 Handshake.
Hassan Joho’s Emotional Tribute
Senator Hassan Joho, Odinga’s Azimio protégé, shared a quivering video: “Baba shaped my career, taught resilience, and believed in our youth—hard to imagine Kenya without him.” He lauded Odinga’s unifier spirit, anti-tribalism fight, and strategic genius, vowing to advance his mwananchi-focused legacy.[conversation_history]
Joho’s anecdotes evoked ODM faithful’s raw grief, emphasizing Odinga’s mentorship and bridge-building across divides.
A Life of Struggle and Sacrifice
Born January 7, 1945, to Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, Raila endured Moi-era detentions, spearheaded 1990s multipartyism, and drove the 2010 Constitution. Five presidential bids, though unrealized, galvanized masses; his “commander” oratory and unexpected alliances defined discourse.[conversation_history]
He championed economic justice—education, healthcare, anti-corruption—via Azimio la Umoja, with the Handshake de-escalating 2017 tensions.
Enduring Push for Unity
Odinga’s detribalized vision prioritized merit over ethnicity, empowering marginalized voices amid resource inequities. His AU bid reflected global influence before his Kochi cardiac arrest; state funeral drew millions to Bondo.
| Leader | Tribute Focus | Connection to Odinga |
|---|---|---|
| Ruto | Democracy pioneer, unifier | Former rival, post-Handshake collaborator |
| Joho | Mentor, youth champion | Azimio ally, political son |
Future Without Baba
Odinga’s void reshapes opposition dynamics, yet his philosophy inspires emerging leaders amid Ruto’s 2024 reelection era. Tributes signal collaborative politics, sustaining his democratic torch.
On this poignant milestone, Kenya reaffirms “Baba’s” phenomenon status—a force whose perseverance forged progress. Long live his spirit.
G-cham 