Former US President Barack Obama Honours Raila Odinga as ‘True Champion of Democracy’
Former United States President Barack Obama has paid a heartfelt tribute to the late Raila Amolo Odinga, describing him as a “true champion of democracy and justice whose courage and commitment transformed Kenya’s political landscape.”
In a statement released on Wednesday evening, Obama said Raila’s passing marked “the loss of a statesman, a reformer, and a symbol of hope for millions of Kenyans and Africans who believe in freedom and fairness.”
🕊️ “Raila Believed in the Power of the People”
Obama’s tribute painted Raila as a man who sacrificed personal comfort for the greater good of his nation.
He recalled Raila’s decades of struggle — from imprisonment under one-party rule to contesting multiple elections that reshaped Kenya’s democracy.
“Raila Odinga was a man who believed that true leadership comes from service, not privilege.
He never stopped fighting for the rights of the common man.
Even when the path was difficult, he stood firm — not out of ambition, but out of love for his country,”
Obama said.
The former President added that Raila’s resilience inspired a generation of leaders across Africa to believe that political power could be achieved through peace, not violence.
🌍 A Historic Connection Between Two Families
The Obamas and the Odingas share a deep-rooted historical connection that dates back to Kenya’s independence.
Obama’s father, Barack Obama Sr., and Raila’s father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, were both early advocates for self-rule and education.
During his visits to Kenya as both Senator and President, Obama often acknowledged Raila’s role in shaping Kenya’s democracy.
Their friendship was built on mutual respect and a shared dream of a united, free Africa.
“When I met Raila, I saw in him a reflection of my father’s generation — men and women who believed that Kenya could be better, fairer, and stronger if everyone was given a voice,” Obama said.
🇰🇪 A Nation Mourns a Hero
Obama’s message came as Kenya continued to mourn Raila’s death, which occurred earlier this week while undergoing treatment in India.
Vigils, prayer services, and memorial gatherings have spread across the country — from Nairobi to Kisumu and Bondo, where Raila’s body will be laid to rest.
In every corner of the country, chants of “Baba! Jowi!” echo through the streets, a testament to the love and admiration millions held for the man who fought for freedom, justice, and equality.
💬 Obama’s Call for Unity and Legacy
In his statement, Obama urged Kenyans to honor Raila’s legacy not through grief alone, but through continued commitment to democracy and peace.
“Let us honor Raila not only by remembering his words, but by living his values — unity, justice, and integrity.
Kenya’s story is still being written, and his dream of a fair nation must live on through each of us,” Obama stated.
He emphasized that Raila’s political career — spanning over four decades — left behind a blueprint for reform that should inspire future generations.
⚖️ Global Leaders Join in Tribute
Leaders from across Africa and beyond joined Obama in paying tribute to Raila Odinga.
South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa called him “a beacon of African democracy,” while Ghana’s Nana Akufo-Addo praised his “unwavering courage.”
The African Union described him as “a visionary leader who dedicated his life to Africa’s political and economic liberation.”
International media outlets, including BBC, CNN, and Al Jazeera, have highlighted Raila’s lifelong struggle for democracy and the sacrifices he made to ensure Kenya’s political evolution.
🌅 Final Journey Home
Raila’s final journey to his ancestral home in Bondo, Siaya County has drawn massive crowds, as thousands of mourners line the roads waving flags and singing liberation songs.
As his body is expected to be laid to rest, Barack Obama’s words have resonated across Kenya and beyond — a reminder that Raila Odinga’s life was more than politics; it was a mission for justice, equality, and dignity.
“Africa has lost a son, and Kenya has lost a father,” Obama concluded.
“May his soul rest in eternal peace.”
🕯️ Farewell, Baba
As the sun sets over the shores of Lake Victoria, one message rises above all:
Raila Odinga’s spirit will never die.
He may have left this world, but his ideals — courage, sacrifice, and the dream of a free Kenya — remain etched in the heart of every Kenyan who ever believed in change.
Jowi, Baba. Rest well, the true champion of democracy. 🇰🇪
