Pamoja CHAN 2024 committee mourns Raila Odinga
By Joel Masibo, October 16, 2025The Pamoja CHAN 2024 Local Organising Committee (LOC) of Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania has sent its heartfelt condolences to the people of Kenya following the passing of the country’s opposition leader, Raila Odinga.
In a joint statement released on Thursday, October 16, 2025, the three LOC chairmen, comprising Leodegar Tenga of Tanzania, Peter Ogwang of Uganda, and Nicholas Musonye of Kenya, expressed deep sorrow to the people of Kenya and the Odinga family, describing Raila as a symbolic figure whose influence extended beyond politics into sports and regional unity.
According to Tenga, Raila Odinga was a passionate promoter of football and a great supporter of the game across Africa. He recalled that Raila began supporting football many years ago, even during his youth, and was widely recognised for the support he gave to CECAFA during Tenga’s tenure as president of the regional body.
The three chairmen further appreciated Odinga’s unwavering support for the recently concluded Pamoja CHAN 2024, which was successfully hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. Raila attended three of the tournament’s matches at Kasarani Stadium, where he offered moral support to all three host nations, reflecting his strong belief in regional cooperation and integration.
Pamoja CHAN’s message
On his part, Musonye remembered Raila as a true sportsman and personal friend, noting that Odinga’s contribution to football in Kenya and the region will be remembered for generations. “Raila stood with us during my time as CECAFA Secretary General for 22 years and later as the Chairman of Kenya’s CHAN LOC,” Musonye said, describing the late leader as a man who embodied unity and sportsmanship.
On behalf of the organising committees, the three chairmen extended their condolences to the Odinga family and prayed for strength and comfort during this difficult period. “May God rest his soul in eternal peace,” the statement concluded.
Meanwhile, police authorities were forced to lob teargas canisters at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, on Thursday afternoon, during the body viewing of the late and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
The viewing was initially scheduled to happen at the Parliament Buildings, but due to the surging crowds, the government announced that the activity would take place at Kasarani Stadium due to the surging crowds in the Nairobi Central Business District.
However, the security providers were seemingly overpowered by thousands of mourners who had gathered in their numbers at the sports facility, breaching protocol and making it hard for the smooth operation involving the entire process shortly after Raila Odinga’s body had arrived for viewing.
In a public statement released by the ruling party, the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), on Thursday morning, the state officials urged members of the public to proceed directly to Kasarani Stadium to pay their respects. The decision follows reports of large crowds attempting to enter Parliament Buildings, which posed challenges for security personnel.
“The Government wishes to inform members of the public of a change in venue for the public viewing of the body of the late Rt. Hon. Raila Amollo Odinga,” the UDA statement read.
“The viewing will now be held at Kasarani Stadium and not at Parliament Buildings as earlier announced. Members of the public are therefore advised to proceed to Kasarani Stadium for the viewing.” It added.
The veteran politician passed away on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, in Kochi, India, following a cardiac arrest. Odinga, aged 80, served as Kenya’s Prime Minister and was widely respected for his role in promoting political dialogue and national unity.