Passaris reveals final exchange with Raila two days before his death
By Kiprono Keileb, October 15, 2025Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris has revealed that she exchanged her last messages with Raila Odinga just two days before his death, a moment she now describes as deeply painful and unforgettable.
In a heartfelt post on X account posted on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, Passaris said she was shattered after learning of the former Prime Minister’s passing, recalling their final conversation, which, in hindsight, carried a tone of warmth and grace typical of the late leader.
“I am shattered. Just two days ago, we exchanged messages. You thanked me for my prayers and blessed words, as you always did, with grace, humility, and warmth. I never imagined it would be our last exchange,” she wrote.
Passaris shared that Raila had responded to her message with his characteristic humility. “Thanks so much, my dear, for the wonderful message and prayers,” she stated
The Nairobi legislator described Raila as not only a political mentor but also a father figure and a moral compass whose influence shaped her personal and political life.
“You were more than a political mentor; you were a father figure, a moral compass, and a national treasure. My life and leadership are what they are because of your guidance, courage, and sacrifice,” she said.
Her emotional message painted a picture of a leader who was not only politically influential but also deeply human, known for his compassion, mentorship, and ability to connect with people across all walks of life.
As tributes continue to pour in from across the political divide, Passaris’s words stood out for their personal reflection and closeness to the man many simply called Baba. She concluded her tribute with a moving line that captured her grief and admiration: “Kenya is Baba, and Baba is Kenya. Go well, Raila Odinga. Your light will forever guide us.”
Passaris’s statement adds to the growing wave of emotion across the nation as Kenyans mourn a man widely regarded as one of the most influential political figures in the country’s history, a leader whose decades of struggle, resilience, and vision redefined Kenya’s democratic path.