Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has vowed to stand by the family of the late former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga and continue his legacy and the vision he had for the country.

In a moving tribute on Friday, October 17, 2025, the retired president interceded for the family’s well-being and God’s protection long after their patriarch is gone.

“Yangu mimi ni kusema ndugu yangu uende vema. nakuombea kwa Mwenyezi Mungu akurehemu. Yale ambayo umeanzisha tutaendelea nayo. Familia yako saa imekuwa yetu. Tutaendelea kuwalinda na kusimama nao kwa wakati wote. Lala salama ndugu na Mungu apatie familia yako nguvu,”

He acknowledged the invaluable support of Raila’s spouse Ida, and her loyal children, in making Raila the statesman he became.

“Raila hangeweza kutenda aliyotenda kama hangekuwa na faimilia yake ya Mama Ida na watoto wake. Tunashukuru sana Wakenya pia kwa kutupatia kiongize kama Raila,”

In his tributes, Uhuru recounted how Raila cherished peace and longed to see Kenyans unite.

“Today, the nation has lost a leader whose history of democracy cannot be written without his name being at the forefront. The history of human rights advocacy cannot be written without Raila’s name being at the forefront,” he added.

The fourth president of the republic parted his speech by imploring the nation to uphold the values championed by the late former Prime Minister.

“Wenzangu nawaambia hivi. Tunawakumbuka kina mzee Jomo Kenyatta na Jaramogi Oginga Odinga. Kwa kutetea uhuru wananchi yetu. Na kila mara tukiimba wimbo wa taifa tunasema atalinda uhuru yetu damu yetu na jasho yetu. Leo hii tukiwa tunaaga baba yetu Raila Amolo Odinga, nataka pia tuaape ya kwamba hatutakubali kama wakenya haki za kibinadamu, demokrasia na mambo yale yote ambayo Raila alitetea. Hatutakubali yarudi nyuma,” Uhuru said.

The former president challenged the nation to take a stand and militantly defend human rights, democracy, and justice as a way of honouring the departed hero.