“I first had the honour of meeting and interacting with the Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga shortly before the 2007 General Elections, when he and members of the Pentagon visited my local congregation for prayers. Later, in 2008, following the formation of the Government of National Unity, he assumed office as the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kenya. At the time, I had been nominated to serve on the Harambee Stars Management Board alongside other distinguished Kenyans.”
“Our paths would occasionally cross thereafter, notably during the Gor Mahia vs. AFC Leopards (mashemeji) matches, where his love for football and his ability to connect effortlessly with ordinary Kenyans were always evident.”
“I had the privilege of engaging more closely with him during the 2022 General Elections, when I participated in grassroots mobilization efforts in support of his coalition. On the eve of that election, I was deeply honoured to break bread with him — a moment that remains etched in my memory as a reflection of his warmth, humility, and people-centred leadership.”
“In subsequent years, I also came to know members of his family, particularly Raila Odinga Junior, who has since become both a friend and a regular companion in our four-ball rounds.
The last time I met Baba was during a work trip to Dubai, where we had a chance encounter and shared a hearty conversation on Kenya’s current affairs. We concluded that I, together with other Principal Secretary colleagues, would soon pay him a courtesy call at his office — a meeting, sadly, that will never be.”
“Kenya has lost an enigma — a statesman of rare stature, a quintessential social democrat, and a political icon whose courage, conviction, and vision helped shape the nation’s destiny.”
May his legacy endure for generations to come.
May he rest in power. Long live Baba.
