Mudavadi leads Western leaders in paying tribute to Raila in Bondo

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has said the country continues to mourn and grieve the loss of a great statesman whose contribution to Kenya, the African continent, and the international community will forever be remembered.

Mudavadi made the remarks on Wednesday during a visit to Bondo, where he joined family members and local leaders to condole with the family of the late Raila Odinga.

Mudavadi described Raila’s death as a profound loss that has left a void in the nation’s leadership, praising the former prime minister’s “resolute leadership grounded in dignity, diligence, candour, and courage.”

He conveyed his personal condolences to Mama Ida Odinga and the entire Odinga family, terming Raila’s passing “a big blow to a family whose name is synonymous with Kenya’s long struggle for democracy and justice.”

“Stopped by Bondo, a historic cradle of our nation’s independence, and a home that embodies Kenya’s enduring story of leadership and resilience, to condole with Mama Ida and the family of my late brother, Raila Odinga, days after we laid him to rest,” Mudavadi said.

“Mine was just to come again and tell the family that we continue to miss and grieve the loss of a statesman and a mentor to many. I wish to affirm our solidarity with the family and pray that God’s grace may comfort them as we go into the future.”

Mudavadi was accompanied by a delegation of dignitaries and Western Kenya leaders who paid their respects at Kang’o ka Jaramogi, the final resting place of the Odinga family patriarchs.

Among those present were Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetang’ula, retired Attorney General Amos Wako, COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli, and former Cabinet Minister Noah Wekesa.

Governors James Orengo (Siaya), Fernandes Barasa (Kakamega), and Paul Otuoma (Busia) also joined the delegation, alongside Environment CS Deborah Barasa and Higher Education PS Beatrice Inyangala.

He lauded Akufo-Addo for his solidarity, noting that the Ghanaian statesman had been among the first foreign leaders to send condolences following Raila’s passing on October 15, 2025.

After paying their respects at the gravesite, the delegation visited Mama Ida Odinga at the family’s Opoda farm, where they joined residents of Bondo in celebrating Raila’s enduring legacy as “Baba”—a revered statesman, reformist, and tireless advocate for democracy, justice, and a better Kenya.