Nyong’o Pays Tribute to Raila Odinga on Posthumous 81st Birthday

Kisumu Governor Prof. Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o has paid a glowing tribute to the late Prime Minister Raila Amollo Odinga, describing him as Kenya’s political colossus, Africa’s democratic conscience, and a key architect of multiparty democracy in the postcolonial era.

The tribute was issued on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, marking what would have been Raila’s 81st birthday. Nyong’o urged Kenyans to observe the day not in celebration, but in sober reflection on a life defined by principle, courage, and an unwavering commitment to justice and equality.

In a statement released by the County Government of Kisumu, the governor said Raila’s life represented rare and principled leadership in Kenya’s political history.

“Today, we mark a birthday not with celebration, but with contemplation; not with applause, but with silence heavy with meaning,” Nyong’o said, noting that Raila’s absence underscores the scarcity of leaders guided by conviction rather than convenience.

Nyong’o described Raila as a transformative figure whose life stood as a sustained challenge to injustice, neocolonial power, and political exclusion. He said Raila belonged to a rare class of leaders who “interrupted history,” forcing power to pause, reassess, and realign with moral imperatives.

Reflecting on Raila’s political journey, the governor said it was marked by sacrifice and steadfast commitment to structural justice.

“His path was not defined by opportunism, but by an unshakeable loyalty to the oppressed and excluded. He understood that freedom is never inherited; it is contested, defended, and renewed by each generation,” Nyong’o said.

The governor also highlighted Raila’s role as the founder and leader of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), describing the party as more than a political organisation.

“ODM was a school of thought, a moral community, and a vehicle for progressive imagination,” he said, adding that through the party, Raila mentored generations of leaders committed to ethical politics and accountability.

Nyong’o said Raila’s influence extended beyond Kenya’s borders, portraying him as a statesman whose ideas resonated across Africa and the global community.

“To Africa and the world, he reminded us that democratic struggle in the Global South is neither derivative nor inferior, but original, profound, and costly,” he said.

While acknowledging the grief surrounding Raila’s passing, Nyong’o called on Kenyans to protect and advance his legacy.

“There is sadness today because his absence reminds us how rare principled leadership truly is. Yet there must also be intellectual loyalty—a commitment to preserve his ideas, defend his legacy from distortion, and carry forward the unfinished work of justice, equality, and national renewal,” he said.

Nyong’o concluded by urging citizens and leaders to measure leadership not by titles held, but by truths defended.

“May his soul rest in eternal peace. May his ideas continue to disturb injustice. May Kenya, Africa, and the world remain forever indebted to his courage,” he said.

Raila Odinga was born in Maseno, Kisumu County, in 1945 into a family deeply rooted in political activism. From his early years as a young parliamentarian to his decades-long struggle for multiparty democracy, he consistently challenged entrenched power structures, often at great personal cost.

Raila passed away on October 15, 2025, while undergoing medical treatment in India. He is remembered as a fearless reformist who dedicated his life to the pursuit of justice, democracy, and equality.

His posthumous 81st birthday has been marked by tributes from political leaders, allies, and citizens across the country, reflecting the enduring impact of his life and ideas.