“The Flame of Freedom Will Never Be Extinguished”: Hon. Babu Owino Leads Nation in Stirring Tribute to the Late Raila Amolo Odinga

 

Kenya is mourning the passing of one of its greatest sons, the Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga, whose death earlier this week marks the end of an era and the closing of a defining chapter in the nation’s democratic journey. Known affectionately as “Baba,” “Agwambo,” and “Tinga,” Raila Odinga was a towering figure in Kenyan politics — a statesman, freedom fighter, reformist, and champion of justice whose legacy is etched in the foundations of the modern Kenyan state.

At a solemn national memorial service held in Nairobi today, Hon. Babu Owino, Member of Parliament for Embakasi East, delivered one of the most moving and memorable tributes of the day, drawing tears from many and inspiring a new sense of patriotic duty among thousands of attendees and millions watching across the country.

Standing before a sea of mourners that included dignitaries, diplomats, clergy, opposition leaders, civil society activists, and ordinary Kenyans, Babu Owino painted a picture of Raila Odinga as not just a political icon, but as the embodiment of Kenya’s unyielding desire for freedom, justice, and equality.

A Tribute Rooted in History

Owino began his tribute with a powerful historical reference, invoking the ancient Greek city of Athens — the birthplace of democracy. He referenced the famed funeral oration of Pericles, a legendary Athenian leader, delivered in 431 BC in honour of soldiers who died defending their city-state.

“Pericles spoke of those who gave their lives to protect the dignity and values of their people — not through tyranny but through their love of freedom,” Owino said. “That same spirit is what Raila Odinga carried with him every day of his life.”

Drawing a parallel between the democratic warriors of ancient Greece and the struggles faced by Raila Odinga, Owino noted that Raila’s life seemed to have been foretold by the very ideals of justice and sacrifice that define democracy’s greatest defenders.

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Agwambo – The Enigma of Kenya’s Political Soul

Owino echoed the sentiments of millions when he spoke of Raila’s almost mythical stature among the Luo people and across Kenya. Known by many names, each carrying weight and meaning — “Agwambo” (The Mysterious One), “Tinga” (The Bulldozer), “Baba” (The Father) — Raila was more than a politician; he was a symbol of hope, resilience, and possibility.

“The Luo people called him Agwambo — a word that tries to capture a man too big for any one title, too deep for any one description,” said Owino. “He was a mystery in many ways, but one truth about him was clear: he never gave up on Kenya.”

From the Darkness of Detention to the Light of Democracy

Hon. Owino revisited the harrowing experiences Raila endured in the 1980s and early 1990s — years spent in solitary confinement, often in undisclosed locations, without charges or trial. Despite efforts by the Moi regime to silence and break him, Raila emerged stronger, becoming a central figure in Kenya’s push to repeal Section 2A of the constitution and restore multiparty democracy.

“He went into detention not as a criminal, but as a patriot,” Owino declared. “Denied even the basic right to a fair trial, he still emerged from those dark cells with his spirit unbroken — not seeking revenge, but reforms.”

Raila’s post-detention years were marked by political resilience, institution-building, and relentless civic engagement. He founded and led several political parties — from the National Development Party (NDP) to the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) — uniting progressive forces across ethnic and ideological lines.

 A Voice for the Voiceless

Owino emphasized Raila’s lifelong mission: to speak for the oppressed, the poor, and the marginalized. At great personal risk, he stood up to powerful regimes, faced arrest, exile, electoral injustices, and character assassination — yet always returned to the people.

“He carried our aspirations when we could not speak. He stood in the face of the terror of the bullet — so that we could stand today, free,” said Owino, visibly emotional.

As Owino spoke, images of Kenya’s turbulent political history — the Saba Saba protests, the push for constitutional reform, the 2007–2008 post-election violence, the 2010 Constitution, and the 2018 handshake with President Uhuru Kenyatta — came to life in the minds of the mourners. All bore Raila's fingerprints.

A Call to the Youth of Kenya

Turning to the future, Owino issued a stirring challenge to Kenya’s youth — Millennials and Gen Z — urging them to take up the mantle of leadership with the same commitment Raila showed.

“The question we ask today as young people in this country is: what lessons have we learned from Raila’s life?” he posed. “Do we see Kenya through his eyes — a land where power comes from the ballot and not the bullet? Where leadership is about service, not self-enrichment?”

He warned against complacency and corruption and urged the youth to fight for the dream Raila had for Kenya — a nation of equality, justice, dignity, and opportunity for all.

The Flame of Freedom Still Burns

Quoting from Raila Odinga’s autobiography, The Flame of Freedom, Babu Owino reminded the country that the journey towards a just society is far from over.

“Those who lead the Kenyan way must remain passionately and tirelessly committed and always resolute,” he read. “For we know it is only when we arrive at our destination that the African Dream will finally be realised.”“The road might be difficult, and obstacles might at times seem insurmountable, but until we reach that time and find that place, the flame of freedom will never be extinguished.”

The Final Word: The Journey to Canaan Continues

In a deeply personal moment, Owino, who considered Raila both a political mentor and a father figure, invoked the iconic biblical metaphor Raila often used in his campaigns — the journey to Canaan.

“Nothing, not even the deadly crocodiles, will stop us from reaching Canaan,” Owino said, invoking one of Raila’s most famous campaign declarations. “We will miss him deeply, but we will honour him by continuing the journey.”

A Nation United in Mourning

Across the country, Kenyans gathered in public spaces and homes to mourn, remember, and celebrate the life of the man who redefined opposition politics, inspired generations, and whose imprint on Kenya’s democracy will endure for centuries.

Flags fly at half-mast. Parliament has suspended sittings for the week. A state funeral is being prepared, expected to draw dignitaries from across Africa and beyond.

As the sun sets on this historic day, the nation finds comfort in Raila’s own words — that even when the road is long, and the struggle is hard, the flame of freedom must never die.

Rest in Power, Raila Amolo Odinga. The Flame of Freedom Lives On.