Sifuna: Raila Odinga was a mentor and father to all
By Mabonga Makhanu, October 15, 2025ODM Secretary-General and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has come out on behalf of the party to mourn former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, describing him as a mentor and political father to many.
In a statement released by the Orange Democratic Movement on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, Sifuna confirmed that the party had received the devastating news of Raila Odinga’s passing in India, where he was undergoing treatment. He said the ODM family and the entire nation were in deep shock following the loss of their leader.
Sifuna extended condolences to Raila’s family, friends, party members, and millions of Kenyans and supporters across the world who looked up to him as a symbol of hope and resilience.
He described Raila as a towering political figure whose influence has shaped Kenya’s democracy for over three decades.
According to Sifuna, it was under Raila’s leadership that democratic ideals were nurtured and political careers grew.
He hailed the former prime minister as a true giant of the nation and a darling in the hearts of Kenyans for his unwavering fight for justice, equality, and freedom for all.
“On behalf of the party, I send my condolences to family, friends, party members and the millions across the world to whom the Rt Hon Odinga was a beacon of hope in a world filled with despair.” Sifuna said
“The Rt Hon Odinga has been the leading political figure in this nation for at least three decades, at whose feet democratic ideals have been nurtured and political careers grown,” Sifuna added.
Message to ODM members
Sifuna urged ODM members to remain united as they reflect on the life and legacy of their fallen leader, a man fondly referred to as “Baba”. He assured Kenyans that the party, in collaboration with the Odinga family, would provide regular updates regarding funeral arrangements.
He concluded by praying for Raila’s soul to rest in eternal peace, noting that his ideals and vision for a just and prosperous Kenya would live on in the hearts of all who believed in him.
Ruto’s directive
Elsewhere during his official address to the nation, President William Ruto has ordered a state funeral with full military honours for the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
The president directed that the late former prime minister will be accorded a state funeral with full military honours and all attendant state protocols observed.
The president also declared a seven-day period of national mourning, during which the Kenyan flag will fly at half-mast across the country and in all Kenyan embassies abroad.