Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has said Kenya continues to feel the deep void left by the late Raila Odinga, describing him as a statesman whose legacy of courage, candour, and commitment to justice will continue to guide the nation for generations.
Mudavadi, who also serves as the Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, made the remarks during a visit to Bondo, Siaya County, where he led a delegation of leaders to condole with the Odinga family days after Raila’s burial.
“The country continues to mourn and grieve the loss of a great statesman whose contribution to the country, continent and the international arena will always be remembered,” Mudavadi said.
“We feel the void of his resolute leadership, yet his legacy, grounded in dignity, diligence, candour and courage, will continue to inspire a just, united, and prosperous Kenya.”
The Prime CS described his visit to Bondo as a gesture of solidarity with Mama Ida Odinga and the wider Odinga family.
“Stopped by Bondo, a historic cradle of our nation’s independence, and a home that embodies Kenya’s enduring story of leadership and resilience, to condole with Mama Ida and the family of my late brother, Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga,” he said.
“Mine was just to come again and tell the family that we continue to miss and grieve the loss of a statesman and a mentor to many. I wish to affirm our solidarity with the family and pray that God’s grace may visit them so that the blessings of his hands can manifest as we go into the future.”
Mudavadi recalled his long friendship with the late leader, saying he deeply missed their warm personal exchanges.
“I deeply miss our moments of ‘Mwana wa Hannah’ and ‘Woud Mary’, exchanges that strengthened our friendship beyond politics and reminded us of the bonds of family, faith, and our shared hopes for Kenya’s future,” he said.
The delegation accompanying Mudavadi included National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, retired Attorney General Amos Wako, COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli, Governors James Orengo (Siaya), Fernandes Barasa (Kakamega), and Paul Otuoma (Busia), among other national and county leaders.
Mudavadi also expressed gratitude to retired Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo, who attended the condolence visit at the Odinga family home in Kang’o ka Jaramogi, praising him for travelling from Ghana to honour Raila’s memory.
“This was your true friend, and you came all the way from Ghana to be with us and the family of Raila. It is an honour not just to us but to the people of Kenya,” he said.
The leaders later joined Mama Ida and residents at Opoda Farm to celebrate Raila’s enduring legacy as a champion of democracy, justice, and good governance.
In their tributes, Wako and Atwoli described Raila’s passing as a monumental loss not only to Kenya but to the world, hailing his lifelong dedication to building a freer and fairer society.
