The Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Bondo, the Rev Prof David Hellington Kodia, has hailed former Prime Minister Raila Odinga as a towering statesman, pro-democracy champion, and unifying national figure, noting that he “never relied on money to win followers but on the power of persuasion.”
He was speaking during the State Funeral Service at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi, where thousands of mourners from across Kenya and beyond gathered to honour one of the country’s most enduring political figures.
Odinga, who passed away on Wednesday in India at the age of 80 while undergoing medical treatment, was remembered for his political legacy, moral courage, and lifelong dedication to national unity.
“Raila Odinga was a politician who never used the power of his wallet to convince others. He believed in ideas, in persuasion, and in the will of the people. Today, many of our politicians have lost this principle, promoting instead a culture of handouts,” Bishop Kodia said.
He urged Kenya’s current and future leaders to reclaim the ethical foundation of public service that Odinga exemplified throughout his decades-long political career.
“God gave Raila Odinga the wisdom to unite Kenyans. How many can fit in his shoes? As we honour him today, let us see ourselves as Kenyans first — not as members of regions or tribes. Kenya is too small to be divided,” he said.
In a pointed message that drew both applause and solemn reflection from the crowd, Bishop Kodia also spoke firmly against corruption and impunity.
“If there’s anyone here at whatever level who has looted this country, you stand the chance to be condemned,” he declared.
Mourners carried branches and palm fronds — traditional Luo symbols of mourning and grief — in honour of Odinga’s heritage and his lifelong connection to the people of Nyanza and the wider nation.
Raila Odinga, affectionately known as “Baba,” was a central figure in Kenya’s political landscape for over four decades.
He served as Prime Minister from 2008 to 2013 and contested in five consecutive presidential elections.
Though he never ascended to the presidency, Odinga’s commitment to democracy, social justice, and national unity earned him widespread respect across political divides. He often maintained that his electoral defeats were the result of manipulation and injustice, yet he consistently championed peaceful reform and dialogue.
The State Funeral was held amid seven days of national mourning before Odinga is laid to rest at his ancestral home in Bondo, Siaya County, about 60 kilometres west of Kisumu, on Sunday.
According to the family, it was Odinga’s wish to be buried within the shortest time possible — ideally within 72 hours.