Kampala, Uganda | The Paramount Chief of Lango, Eng. Dr. Michael Moses Odongo Okune has signed the condolence book at the Kenyan High Commission in Kampala, paying tribute to Kenya’s former Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga Oginga, who died in India earlier this week.
He was received on Friday, October 17, by Kenya’s Deputy High Commissioner to Uganda, Dr. Suleiman Roba, who commended Ugandans for their solidarity with Kenyans during this period of mourning.
Odinga, aged 80, passed away on 15 October 2025 at Devamatha Hospital in Koothattukulam, India, where he had been receiving treatment.
His death has drawn widespread grief across East Africa, with leaders describing him as a defender of democracy and Pan-African unity.
Odongo Okune said Odinga’s values of integrity and freedom had inspired generations across the continent.
He noted the historic bond between the Odinga and Obote families, recalling that Raila’s father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, had worked closely with Uganda’s first President, Dr. Apollo Milton Obote, during the struggle for independence.
He added that Raila had maintained this spirit of cooperation and was once invited to accompany President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni as Chief Guest during his planned coronation as Lango Paramount Chief, which was later halted by court order.
Suleiman Roba said Odinga’s death had robbed Africa of a guiding voice for justice and democratic progress and confirmed that Kenya was holding a state funeral in his honour.
Odinga’s body arrived in Nairobi on 16 October 2025 aboard a Kenya Airways flight renamed RAO001.
Thousands of mourners gathered at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, breaking security barriers and briefly disrupting operations.
Crowds also assembled outside Kenya’s Parliament, prompting authorities to move the public viewing to Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, to manage the numbers.
Local media reported two deaths and several injuries after police fired tear gas and warning shots to control the crowds.
A state viewing was held on 17 October 2025 at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi, attended by President William Ruto, senior officials, and regional leaders. The ceremony featured military honours, prayers, and tributes.
Odinga’s body was later flown to Kisumu for public viewing before being taken to Bondo, Siaya County, where he will be buried on Sunday, 19 October 2025, at his ancestral home.
Raila Odinga’s political career spanned over five decades, he served as Prime Minister (2008–2013), Member of Parliament for Langata (1992–2013), Leader of the Opposition, and African Union High Representative for Infrastructure Development (2018–2023).
Born in Maseno in 1945, Odinga played a central role in Kenya’s return to multi-party democracy and became a leading advocate for devolution and regional integration.
He is survived by his wife, Ida Odinga, and four children, Fidel (deceased), Rosemary, Raila Jr., and Winnie Odinga.
Across the region, he is being remembered as a visionary reformist whose legacy continues to shape Africa’s democratic and political landscape.
