NAIROBI, Kenya — During the State funeral service held at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi, Winnie Odinga, daughter of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, offered an emotionally charged tribute, asserting that her father passed away “strong, with dignity and pride.”
Delivering an intimate and deeply personal reflection, Winnie recounted her father’s final moments in India, seeking to dispel circulating rumours about his health. She confirmed his peaceful passing:
“I was with him in India when he took his last breath. He died in my arms, but he did not die as people have been saying on social media,” Winnie said. “Every day he was waking up and walking one round, then two rounds the next day. That morning, he pushed to five rounds. He died strong and with dignity and pride, and you must be proud of that.”
She then urged the grieving nation to embody that strength, stating, “You all must also walk with your heads held high, and walk strong and proud that he left as a gentleman.”
A father and a superhero
Beyond his status as a national icon, Winnie painted a picture of a dedicated and beloved father. She confessed the depth of her personal loss, reflecting on the bond they shared:
“I don’t know who I’ll miss more… my dad or my superhero. I am the luckiest girl in the world because you were my dad,” she said, adding that her siblings Fidel, Rosemary, and Junior shared in that privilege.
She affectionately described their home life as “the vitendawili testing ground,” where the former Premier would constantly challenge them with riddles and puzzles. Despite his global political influence, she maintained: “To the world, you were known by many names, but to me, you were simply Dad, a man whose presence froze rooms around the world,” she said.
The final Plan and enduring legacy
Winnie also touched upon her father’s meticulous nature, which remained evident even in his final instructions regarding his burial. She recalled his wish for a rapid interment:
“When I learnt that you willed to be buried in 72 hours, I laughed, “Good old Dad! Testing and planning for us beyond the grave!” I can see you now, laughing in your heaving manner; knowing that your wish will be done,” she recalled, a humorous recollection that drew laughter from the mourners.
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She paid homage to his lifelong dedication to the country, explaining that he taught her and millions of Kenyans that “love for country is not just in words, but in sacrifice; that justice must be pursued even when the path is lonely; and that true leadership is service not power.”
Acknowledging the deep despair felt by many supporters, Winnie urged them to find solace and purpose in his example: “Millions of you are in despair, but take heart, because he left a plan for you too. He led all of us, he taught us, he carried us, we know what he expects from all of us and we shall rise together in his honour,” she said, emphasizing his spirit of resilience, forgiveness, and hope.
She concluded her powerful eulogy with a moving metaphor for his enduring legacy:
“The biggest part of me died on October 15, 2025. But the spirit of the lion roars on forever. The King is dead, but long live the crown.”
