ODINGA FAMILY CELEBRATES LATE RAILA’S 81ST BIRTHDAY 

The family of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has issued a message thanking to the nation and the international community as they mark his first posthumous birthday.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the family, now led by newly installed head Rails Odinga Jr., commemorated what would have been the 81st birthday of Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga, CGH.

The family acknowledged the support of President William Ruto, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, and the entire government for their role in facilitating a dignified farewell. The statement also extended thanks to the various funeral committees that oversaw the arrangements.

International figures received special mention, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whose government assisted in repatriating Odinga’s body from India. Former Presidents Uhuru Kenyatta, Olusegun Obasanjo of Nigeria, Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana, Jakaya Kikwete of Tanzania, and Akinwumi Adesina of the African Development Bank were also recognized for their condolences and presence.  “Your willingness to travel from afar to pay your respects means the world to us,” the family noted.

The statement further appreciated Kenyan governors including Johnson Sakaja (Nairobi), Anyang’ Nyong’o (Kisumu), and James Orengo (Siaya) as well as National Assembly and Senate leadership for coordinating funeral activities. Thanks were also given to theODM Party fraternity, medical teams in Kenya and India, and the media for their coverage and support.

“We cherish all the messages of support, love, and kindness,” the family said. “It brings us peace to know how deeply Baba touched the lives of many.”

The message was signed off with “esteemed gratitude” from the Raila Odinga Family.