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Luo elders lead calls for calm and dignity in mourning Raila Odinga
15th October, 2025 01:39 PM
The Luo Council of Elders chairman, Odungi Randa, has expressed deep sorrow following the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, describing him as a visionary leader who devoted his life to serving the nation.
Addressing journalists in Kisumu on Wednesday, Odungi said he received a phone call at around 6 a.m. informing him of the sad news, which left him in shock.
“I was shocked beyond words. I have never shed tears, not even when my close friend Jaramogi Oginga Odinga passed away. But today, when I was informed that the former Prime Minister had died, I cried bitterly because of the bond we shared,” he said.
Elsewhere, Bondo residents are mourning the death of the ODM leader at his Opoda home in Siaya County.
Odungi recounted their shared experiences during the struggle for democracy, revealing that they were detained at the same time in different prisons.
“When Raila was held at Shimo La Tewa Prison, I was at Manyani Prison. We went through a lot together and created many memories,” he recalled.
He appealed to members of the Luo community and Kenyans at large to mourn Raila peacefully and with dignity, saying that was the best way to honour his legacy.
“I am urging our young men and women to mourn Raila with peace and the respect he deserves,” Randa said.
Odungi added that, at an appropriate time, the council would request the funeral committee to bring Raila’s body to Ofafa Memorial Hall to allow ordinary Kenyans to pay their last respects.
He further called on the four Luo Nyanza governors to unite and work closely with residents during this period of mourning.
The elder eulogised Raila as a courageous and visionary leader who stood by his people and played a key role in championing democracy, development, and unity across the country.
