Raila Odinga Junior Pens Heartfelt Message on Late Father’s 81st Heavenly Birthday
Raila Odinga Junior has penned a deeply emotional message in honour of his late father, the Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga, as the family marked what would have been the veteran statesman’s 81st birthday.
In a statement shared on Tuesday, January 7, 2026, Raila Junior conveyed the Odinga family’s gratitude to Kenyans and the international community for the support they received following the passing of the former Prime Minister and long-serving opposition leader.
The message, titled “In Loving Memory of Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga, CGH”, reflected on the profound loss felt by the family while acknowledging the solidarity shown during the mourning period.
“As we remember him on his birthday, we would like to acknowledge the profound support we received during this profoundly painful time,” the statement read in part.
The Odinga family specifically thanked President William Samoei Ruto, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, and the entire Government of Kenya for their support, alongside the various funeral committees that ensured what they described as a dignified send-off for the late statesman.
The family also expressed gratitude to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Government of India for facilitating the swift repatriation of Raila Odinga’s body to Kenya. They further acknowledged former presidents Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya, Olusegun Obasanjo of Nigeria, Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana, Jakaya Kikwete of Tanzania, and African Development Bank President Akinwumi Adesina, all of whom travelled to pay their last respects.
Appreciation was extended to county governments and assemblies across the country, with special mention of Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o, and Siaya Governor James Orengo for their roles in coordinating memorial activities.
The family also thanked senior parliamentary leaders, including National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula and Senate Speaker Amason Kingi, as well as the Kenya Defence Forces under General Charles Muriu Kahariri, for their coordination during the burial arrangements.
In the statement, the Odinga family recognised the role played by the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) fraternity, party staff, and loyal supporters who stood by Raila Odinga throughout his political life and during his final days.
Special appreciation was reserved for the medical teams in both India and Kenya, led by Dr. David Oluoch-Olunya, Dr. Martin Wanyoike, Dr. Eva Njenga, Dr. Robin Mogere, and Dr. Abdul Msaddi, as well as staff at Devamatha Hospital in Kerala, India, and Nairobi Hospital, for what the family described as compassionate and dedicated care.
The message concluded with gratitude to Kenyans and media houses for honouring Raila Odinga’s legacy and for the overwhelming messages of condolence and support.
“It brings us peace to know how deeply Baba touched the lives of many,” the family said.
Raila Odinga, fondly known as Baba, remains one of Kenya’s most influential political figures, remembered for his decades-long push for democracy, governance reforms, and social justice.
