Jeremiah Kioni: In Raila, we laid to rest an era
By David Nthua, October 19, 2025Jubilee Party Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni has said that the late Raila Odinga, just like any other human being, was not a deputy Jesus.
Taking to his X handle on Sunday, October 19, 2025, Kioni said that Kenya has finally buried not just a leader but an entire era in the country’s political and democratic history.
Also Watch: Leaders break down in tears as they mourn Raila Odinga
The late former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga was laid to rest at his rural home in Kango Ka Jaramogi, Bondo, Siaya County, in an emotional ceremony attended by top national and international leaders.
The state funeral marked the end of a chapter in Kenya’s story, one defined by struggle, resilience and the pursuit of justice.
Jeremiah Kioni remarks about Raila
Kioni said that as Raila’s casket was lowered into the ground beside that of his father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, it felt as if the entire nation had paused to reflect on the legacy of the man fondly known as Baba.
Also Watch: Mombasa governor weeps uncontrollably at JKIA as Raila’s body arrives
“This evening, as we laid Jakom to rest, Kenya itself seemed to pause. The winds are gentler, the air heavy with memory. We did not just bury a man, we laid to rest an era, a conscience and a spirit that refused to bow even when the storms howled the loudest,” Kioni wrote.
He described Raila as a man who carried the weight of millions of Kenyans on his shoulders, often misunderstood but never losing his faith in the people.
“Raila Odinga was not a perfect man, but he was a man of purpose. He carried the hopes of millions on his shoulders.
“Sometimes bruised, often misunderstood, yet he never let go of his faith in the people. He taught us that leadership is not about power or privilege, but sacrifice,” Kioni said.
Raila’s unwavering courage
He went on to note that Raila’s greatest lesson was his unwavering courage to stand for truth, even when it meant standing alone.
“As I watched his casket lowered, I thought of the many roads he opened for democracy, for truth, for generations yet unborn. His story will be told not in titles, but in tears shed by those who felt seen, heard and represented by his fight,” Kioni added.
In his closing remarks, Kioni said Kenya must carry forward Raila’s spirit of courage, service and faith.
“Tonight, as the sun sets on this chapter of our history, may we each find a piece of Raila’s fire within us to question, to serve and to believe in Kenya again,” he said.