It is with profound sorrow and deep personal grief that I have learnt of the untimely passing of my friend, mentor, and statesman, the Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga.
On my own behalf, and that of the entire Owalo family, I extend our heartfelt condolences to Mama Ida Odinga, Rosemary, Junior, Winnie, and the entire Odinga family on the loss of a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend to many.
Kenya has lost a true national hero, a selfless, courageous, principled, and visionary freedom fighter whose indelible footprints are etched in every chapter of our nation’s struggle for freedom, democracy, good governance, and social justice.
From his early years, Raila Odinga’s life was defined by an unyielding commitment to the highest democratic ideals, and dignity for all Kenyans, and he selflessly, at great personal cost bore the scars of that fight with honour and pride.
I had the privilege of working closely with Rt. Hon. Odinga over many years. Our families share deep historical ties dating back to the days of my late grandfather, Nabii Yohana Owalo, with whom the Odinga family championed Kenya’s nationalist causes.
I had the distinct honour of serving under his leadership when he was Prime Minister, and working to develop the Strategic Plan for the Executive Office of the Prime Minister, and later as the Secretary-General of the Friends of Raila Movement – an initiative he personally entrusted me to establish. I subsequently served as Head of his Presidential Campaign Secretariat and Chief Campaign Manager during his 2013 Presidential bid.
Beyond our professional association, he was a father figure, confidante, and wise counsellor throughout my journey in both the private and public sectors, including in my role as Cabinet Secretary for ICT and the Digital Economy and now as Deputy Chief of Staff in the Executive Office of the President. Most recently, I also had the honour of serving alongside him as his Deputy Patron of Gor Mahia Football Club.
The Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga’s legacy will forever remain woven into the fabric of our Republic, a testament to his resilience, statesmanship, and unshakeable belief in the promise of a better Kenya.
Nind gi kwe, Jakom.
Rest in Peace, Baba.
Eliud Owalo
