The family of the late former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga has marked the 81st birthday of Raila Odinga with a heartfelt message thanking Kenyans and international leaders for standing with them following his death, blending remembrance with appreciation for what they described as an overwhelming show of solidarity.
In the statement titled “In Loving Memory,” the Odinga family said they were deeply grateful to all who supported them “during this profoundly painful time following the passing of our beloved Baba Raila Amolo Odinga.”
Recalling January 5, 2026, the family added, “On this dark day… we remember him as his last flame,” underscoring the emotional weight of the loss.
The family singled out Kenya’s top leadership for their support, acknowledging President William Samoei Ruto, Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, and the wider government, whom they said “demonstrated support and kindness.” They also thanked funeral committees for facilitating what they described as “a smooth send-off for Baba.”
International support featured prominently in the message. The family expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister of India, Rt. Hon. Namada Mwali, for assistance in bringing Odinga’s body home, and to several former and serving leaders, including Uhuru Kenyatta, Olusegun Obasanjo, Nana Akufo-Addo, Jakaya Kikwete, and Akinwumi Adesina.
“Your willingness to stand with us in prayer and pay your respects means the world to us,” the statement said.
Governors and county assemblies were also acknowledged, with special mention of leaders from Nairobi, Kisumu, Kisii, Nyandarua and Migori, alongside the leadership of Parliament, including Moses Wetang’ula and Amason Kingi.
The family further thanked the ODM Party fraternity, media houses, and a multinational medical team for their care and support, noting that “your compassionate care for Baba and commitment to his well-being will always be remembered.”
Concluding the message, the family said the outpouring of love had brought comfort, adding, “It brings us peace to know how deeply Baba touched the lives of many.”
This comes as the Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho set to lead the celebrations today to posthumously honour Raila Odinga at “80+1,” describing him as a leader whose influence transcends his lifetime.
“His journey teaches us that resilience is not the absence of struggle but the courage to walk through it with purpose,” Joho said, adding that Odinga’s vision “did not end with him; it took root in the minds and hearts of those he mentored.”
The late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga was born on January 7, 1945.
