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Kenya’s former Prime Minister Raila Odinga received huge applause in Malawi where he attended the funeral service of the country’s vice president Saulos Chilima.

Chilima, 51, died on Monday, June 10, 2024, while flying to Nkhata Bay to attend the funeral of a former cabinet minister. The entire crew and other passengers on board, including former First Lady Shanil Dzimbiri, also perished.

Thousands of Malawians who had attended the funeral service received Raila with cheers and applause, indicating acceptance in the country.

“I am here with a very deep heart. I speak on behalf of the people of Kenya. First, I want to convey the condolences from the President of the Republic of Kenya HE William Ruto,” Raila said amid cheers.

In his speech, Raila termed Chilima as a young man who had a promising future ahead of him cut short by the tragic accident.

“It was a shocking news to the people of Kenya. Chilima was a young person with a promising life. From the records we have seen here, he was somebody who stood for the rights of the people of Malawi. He fought and defended the rights of the people and wanted to ensure that there is democracy and there is fairness in the division of resources of your country. We share your grief,” Raila stated.

Raila’s message for Africa

Raila also called for Africa to unite and have one voice in calling for equity and fairness in sharing the world resources, in which he says Africa has been shortchanged.

“I want to see a day, when Africa, the richest continent on planet Earth, will be able to speak with one voice and ensure that our people get their rightful share of the wealth of this earth. We are not asking for charity. We are asking for fairness in the international market,” Raila said.

“We want to see that Africans are able to add value to our raw materials. We want to see that we are able to expand trade among our people and that it is easier for Africans to travel within Africa. Africa will stand together.”

Raila was accompanied by Kenya’s former Ambassador to the United States Elkanah Odembo and former Nyeri Deputy Governor Caroline Karugu.

Chilima will be buried in his home district of Ntcheu, 180 kilometres south of Lilongwe on Monday, June 17, 2024, which has been declared a public holiday.

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