Kenya is mourning the passing of former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga, with tributes pouring in from across the country and beyond. Among those paying homage to the late statesman was Cardinal Archbishop Rt. Rev. Dr. Teddy Ayoma Moses of the Nomiya Church, Kisumu, who described Raila’s death as a devastating loss to Kenya and the entire African continent.
“It is a sad day for Kenya and Africa at large as a cloud of mourning and sorrow engulfs the atmosphere following the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga,” said Archbishop Ayoma. “On behalf of my family and the Nomiya Church, I send my condolences to the Odinga family, to all Kenyans, to the African community, and to the Luo nation who have lost a trusted leader who stood with them for many years.”
Archbishop Ayoma praised Raila Odinga’s selfless dedication to the nation, saying his legacy will forever be etched in Kenya’s democratic journey.
“Raila is not someone who needs to be explained, he gave himself, his life, every time he was needed to help citizens,” he said. “He suffered greatly to protect human rights. I remember when he came out of detention, he did not return bitter. He even worked with President Moi, who had detained and tortured him.”
The cleric lauded Raila’s spirit of reconciliation, noting that he consistently chose peace over vengeance and unity over division.
“He worked with President Kibaki, President Uhuru, and even President Ruto. This is the time people will truly feel his importance and the leadership they denied him,” Archbishop Ayoma stated. “May God, who is above all, provide us divine protection. As Kenyans, let us keep peace, for God will offer us another person who will be able to calm the storm when it is heavy to bear.”
Reflecting on Raila’s political journey, Archbishop Ayoma recalled how the late opposition leader always stood firm for peace, even in turbulent times.
“If it was not Raila in 2024 who came through and calmed the storm, Kenya wouldn’t be what we are seeing today,” he said. “He was called names, branded a betrayer, but in the end, he saved the nation. People said he was bribed, yet today, we are enjoying peace because of him.”
The Nomiya Church leader also called for humility and restraint among politicians, urging them to remember the sanctity of life.
“I would like to tell our leaders that nobody will live forever on this earth,” he said. “We should not rejoice when someone is sick or dead. Every person is a husband, a guardian, and a lamp of a family. Politicians should go slow on negative comments when on political podiums.”
Archbishop Ayoma concluded by urging President William Ruto to continue Raila’s legacy in Nyanza.
“There are a lot of developments that Raila brought to Nyanza which should not end because Jakom is dead,” he said. “President Ruto should pick someone from the Luo community to take on the mantle.”
