BABU OWINO MOURNS RAILA WHILE RECALLING BIOLOGICAL DAD’S DEATH IN CLASS 3

As the nation mourns the passing of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Embakasi East Member of Parliament, Babu Owino, has shared a personal tribute, revealing how the national loss has reopened the childhood wound of losing his biological father.

In a eulogy, the MP disclosed that his biological father passed away when he was just in Class 3, a loss that left him growing up without a dad. He credited Raila with stepping into that role decades later.

“I grew up without a dad after he passed on when I was in class 3,” Owino shared, “and when I came to Nairobi and met Baba, he took me under his wings and became my father both in politics and in life.”

The MP is now grappling with the loss of the two most significant paternal figures in his life. His tribute began with a message to Mama Ida, “Mama Ida Odinga, please accept my heartfelt gratitude for being not only the love of [Baba’s] life, but also the bedrock and pillar of our family.”

He described the day of Odinga’s passing as one that will be “forever etched in my heart. The day my greatest hero rested.” Owino expressed the depth of this Odinga,“I loved him deeply and his loss has left a hole in my heart that only God can fill.”

His message extended to the entire Odinga family, offering his prayers and condolences, “a fierce champion for the people” and “a man that gave everything for his country. You have fought the good fight. You have finished the race. Rest well, Jakom. Your light will never fade. You are forever in my heart.”