Raila’s reconciliatory and peacemaking efforts honoured in moving tribute
By Luke Oluoch, October 19, 2025Emily Oginga, the sister of the late Raila Amolo Odinga, has paid a remarkable tribute to the deceased’s long struggle for democracy and quest for a better continent that spanned his four decades in Kenyan politics.
In a touching recollection of Raila Odinga’s involvement in Kenya’s political landscape, Emily described the deceased as an outgoing, forgiving, and selfless leader who devoted his life to a cause larger than himself.
She lauded the ease with which Raila put aside his differences and rancour against his tormentors to extend an olive branch for the better of the country.
She equally acknowledged the knack with which he traded roles from the dignified boardroom meetings to mingle with citizens at the grassroots.
Democracy
“The hallmark of his career was in the struggle for democracy across Africa. It is this record that earned him the special envoy of the African Union in 2011,” she stated.
“He effortlessly moved from dusty Kamukunji grounds to boardroom meetings within an hour. It was normal for Raila to be teargassed, waterhosed, and even shot at, only for him to show up at the boardroom for a meeting with his tormentors as if the torture at the field did not happen,”
Emily also highlighted how reconciliation lay close to Baba’s heart and his mission to see a peaceful nation.
Peacemaker
“In politics, he communicated the importance of reconciliation, forgiveness, and putting country over self. He forgave his jailer and helped move the country forward.
“He believed that preservation of a nation requires pragmatism over ideology, that a nation, when under extreme threat, requires leaders to embrace extreme compromise, and that he wanted power to be used for progress,” her tribute continu.ed
She also underscored how Raila’s effort to contribute to peace, not just at home but far beyond Kenya’s frontiers across the continent, was exemplified by his involvement in peace missions across various African states.
“Raila cared deeply about Africa; he applied himself to peace and reconciliation missions whenever called upon. He mastered African conflicts and the issues behind them, working as an ambassador of peace in Burundi, Nigeria and Zimbabwe.”