Wanjigi puts past rift with Raila aside, joins Odinga family in mourning
By Ascah Mwango, October 18, 2025Businessman and politician Jimi Wanjigi has paid a moving tribute to the late Raila Odinga, describing the fallen opposition leader as a friend whose life and struggle left an indelible mark on Kenya’s history.
In a heartfelt message posted on X on Friday, October 17, 2025, Wanjigi reflected on the pain and privilege of mourning a man with whom he shared both a political partnership and a personal friendship.
“Today’s memorial was a moment of deep reflection, of mourning, remembrance, and honour. As we gathered to celebrate his extraordinary life, the pain of his absence was heavy. It was a sad day! A hard one, yet I feel deeply privileged to have walked this journey with him as my friend,” Wanjigi wrote.
Wanjigi escorted Raila’s widow, Ida, from her Karen home to Nyayo National Stadium – the venue of the state funeral for the departed leader.
Raila-Wanjigi political fallout
Wanjigi and Raila had fallen out in early 2022, ahead of the general election, following a bitter dispute over the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party’s internal nominations and Raila’s decision to align with then-President Uhuru Kenyatta under the Azimio la Umoja coalition.
The split marked the end of a once-powerful alliance — Wanjigi had been one of Raila’s closest allies and financiers during the 2017 presidential campaign, hosting high-level strategy sessions at his Muthaiga home.
However, in death, their bond appeared to transcend politics.
On Friday, October 17, Wanjigi was seen escorting Raila’s widow, Ida Odinga, from her Karen home to Nyayo National Stadium, where thousands gathered for the state funeral of the longtime opposition leader.
Many people have described Wanjigi’s demeanour as sombre and reflective throughout the event. His visible grief and the quiet respect with which he supported Ida Odinga — underscored a reconciliation that, though never publicised, seemed to have found its peace in the shared sorrow of loss.
For many Kenyans, the moment symbolised something larger: that beyond the fiery rhetoric and political divisions that defined much of Raila’s career, there remained deep personal loyalties forged through years of struggle for democracy and justice.