Raila Odinga jnr: I will miss watching Arsenal matches with my dad
Raila Odinga Junior has eulogized his father, the late Raila Odinga, as a man filled with wisdom while describing the moments he will miss most since his demise.
The now only remaining son of the late Raila Odinga and Mama Idah Odinga made his remarks on Friday, October 17, 2025, where he described how, together with the father, they would often spend time watching Arsenal matches.
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At the time, Raila Junior emotionally stated that indeed he will miss their sporty days with his dad.
“I will miss watching Arsenal matches with you,” Raila Jnr said.
The son took on thanking his father for his unwavering love and guidance to the family, “Thank you for your wisdom and guidance and your unwavering love.”
While eulogizing his dad, a Kenyan leader, Raila Junior further pledged to keep his father’s beliefs burning.
“I am my father’s son, and that is why I will continue to fight for the values he believed in: justice, fairness, and service to others,” he said.
Raila the sports enthusiast
Beyond politics, Odinga will be remembered for his enduring passion for football — a sport he loved, supported, and often credited his love of the sport for helping him develop a philosophical attitude towards the rough-and-tumble world of politics.
For decades, Raila was a familiar face in stadiums across the country. Whether cheering the Harambee Stars or watching his beloved Gor Mahia, where he was the patron for a long time, in the Mashemeji Derby against AFC Leopards, he embodied the spirit of Kenyan football.
As the patron of Gor Mahia, he was not just a ceremonial figure but a genuine benefactor. Weeks before his passing, he had pledged KSh 10 million to support the club’s 2025/2026 season operations, continuing a legacy that also saw him reward the team with KSh 1 million after advancing in the CAF Champions League last year.
Beyond the local scene, Raila’s football passion stretched to the English Premier League, where he was a devout Arsenal fan.
Having once supported Manchester United, he famously switched allegiances when Arsène Wenger joined Arsenal, citing the Frenchman’s philosophy and style of play as irresistible.
Raila actively played the game during his youthful days, turning out for Luo Union FC and later Bunge FC during his tenure as Member of Parliament for Lang’ata Constituency.
