It is with a great sense of sorrow and sadness that we have received the news of the passing of the former Prime Minister of Kenya, Honourable Raila Odinga.
Over the decades, the Kenyan citizenry and leadership have been very close to our hearts as Namibians, having played a strong role in supporting our struggle for freedom and independence.
Raila Odinga’s father Jaramogi Oginga Odinga was a very strong advocate for Pan-Africanism that stood for a high degree of accountability, hence his famous book, “Not Yet Uhuru”.
The unconducive political climate in Kenya warranted the intervention of a neutral third party as a mediator. As Namibia, it saddened us to see friends that stood closely with us in times of need, getting at each other’s throats at the expense of the nation’s welfare and to the detriment of the African continent. For that reason, President Hage Geingob felt it amicable to invite Raila Odinga as leader to reconcile with President Uhuru Kenyatta for the sake of nation building and unity on the African continent. That led to the famously renowned “handshake” in Kakamega Town in Kenya.
Our sympathy and condolences to his dear wife, Ida Odinga, the rest of the family, the people of Kenya and friends.
May His Soul Rest in Eternal Peace!
A Tribute to Late Hon. Raila Odinga, A Leading Kenyan Statesman
