Raila became like the father I lost in Class 3 – Babu Owino
By Kiprono Keileb, October 15, 2025Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has paid a deeply emotional tribute to the late former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga, describing him as a father figure who filled the void left by the death of his own father when he was a child.
In a heartfelt message shared on his Facebook page on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, Babu revealed the personal bond he shared with Raila, one that went far beyond politics. He said the opposition leader had become a mentor, a guide, and a paternal figure who shaped both his personal and political life.
“This day will forever be etched in my heart. The day my greatest hero rested. Raila Amolo Odinga was more than my political mentor; he was like a father to me. I grew up without a dad after he passed on when I was in class 3, and when I came to Nairobi and met Baba, he took me under his wings and became my father both in politics and in life,” he stated
The legislator described Raila’s death as a painful and personal loss, saying it had left a deep void in his heart.
“I loved him deeply, and his loss has left a hole in my heart that only God can fill,” he stated
Babu extended his condolences to Raila’s family, acknowledging the heavy grief they are enduring.
“My heart goes out to his family: Mama Ida Odinga, Rose Odinga, Junior Odinga, Winnie Odinga, their grandchildren and their entire family. I cannot begin to imagine your pain and heartbreak. I can only pray that God comforts you and grants you peace and strength that surpasses all understanding during this difficult time,” he added
In his tribute, Babu celebrated Raila’s lifelong service to the nation, calling him a fearless leader whose influence shaped Kenya’s democratic journey.
“As we mourn his passing, we also celebrate a legacy that will never fade. We celebrate a man who gave everything for His country. A fierce champion for the people. A man of incredible, undeniable influence. Words fail me because truly no words possibly do justice to the man that was Baba Raila Amolo Odinga,” he stated
He concluded his message with a final farewell to the man he called a father figure.
“You have fought the good fight. You have finished the race. Rest well, Jakom. Your light will never fade. You are forever in my heart,” Babu Owino concluded