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Rest in peace, my candleholder: Karua’s emotional tribute to Raila Odinga
15th October, 2025 01:11 PM
The People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader, Martha Karua, has penned a message mourning the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
In a heartfelt letter addressed to Raila’s spouse, Ida Odinga, on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, Karua expressed deep sorrow over the passing of her former political ally and comrade.
“To Mama Ida Odinga and Family, My Dear Sister Ida Odinga, It is with deep shock and profound sadness that I have received the news of the passing of your dear husband, father, friend, and great leader – Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga. Please accept my heartfelt condolences, and those of many who stand with you, your family, the people of Kenya, our continent of Africa, and indeed humanity at large,” she wrote.
Elsewhere, Bondo residents are mourning the death of the ODM leader at his Opoda home in Siaya County.
Karua described Raila as a towering figure whose legacy shaped the nation and inspired generations across Africa. She said his lifelong commitment to democracy and justice made him one of the most significant leaders in Kenya’s history.
“Raila’s illustrious career, spanning decades, towers like a colossus across Kenya and the African continent. His life was a testament to courage, endurance, and an unwavering commitment to the liberation and transformation of our nation,” she said.
Karua reflected on the personal sacrifices Raila endured, including years of imprisonment and separation from his family, all in pursuit of freedom for Kenyans. She also paid tribute to Ida Odinga, acknowledging her resilience and support throughout her husband’s political journey.
Also watch: Raila died in India while receiving treatment.
“Few lives have been so fully devoted to the cause of justice and democracy. He bore immense personal sacrifice, spending years behind bars and away from his loved ones in pursuit of freedom for all Kenyans. That was his burden to carry. But with it came yours, Ida, and that of your entire family. The weight you have carried as his partner in both life and struggle is beyond what most can imagine, and for that, Kenya owes you and your family an unpayable debt of gratitude,” Karua said.
Karua, who served as Raila’s running mate in the 2022 presidential election under the Azimio la Umoja coalition, said she would remember him as a brave and selfless leader who always stood with the people.
“I will remember Raila as a fearless defender of the people, a voice for the voiceless, and a steadfast comrade in the fight for the second liberation. For over three decades, I had the honour of working alongside him, sometimes as an ally, as an opponent, but always united by a shared vision of a freer, fairer Kenya,” she noted.
She described Raila’s death as a huge loss not only to Kenya but also to the African continent, hailing him as one of Africa’s greatest sons.
“The nation and the world have lost a monumental figure, one of Africa’s most consequential sons. May the Almighty God grant you and your family strength, peace, and comfort in this hour of grief, and may He grant our brother eternal rest. Rest in Peace, Jakom. Rest in Peace, Kinara Wangu,” Karua stated.
