Tabitha Karanja breaks down in tears as she recalls how Raila stood by her when she was arrested
By Paulette Mboga, October 16, 2025Nakuru Senator Tabitha Karanja broke down in tears as she paid tribute to the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, recalling how he stood by her during one of the most difficult moments of her life.
Speaking on Thursday, October 16, 2025, in Parliament, the Senator shared an emotional story about how Raila reached out to her when many of her close friends turned away. Karanja revealed that when she was arrested, most of the people she considered friends distanced themselves from her, fearing association.
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According to her, only Raila Odinga had the courage and kindness to respond when she desperately needed someone to talk to. “When I was arrested and even my closest friends could not pick up my calls, the only person who picked up my call was Raila Amolo Odinga,” she said emotionally.
“When I was caught, or forcefully arrested, and everybody put off their phones, nobody picked up my calls, not even my close friends. Because they thought they would be arrested with me. The only person who could pick up my calls, and I remember he was not in the country, was Raila Amolo Odinga.”
Meet for tea
The Senator went on to recall how, even after her release, the silence from those around her continued. “Even when I was arrested and released on Friday, I still remember nobody could pick up my calls. I could not understand why everyone had gone quiet,” she said.
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“He called me on a Saturday and told me we would meet for a cup of tea.” Her voice trembled as she described that moment, saying Raila’s compassion and empathy touched her heart deeply. Karanja added that she would forever remember Raila not only as a political icon but as a man with a rare heart of kindness.
As she spoke, the atmosphere in the venue was filled with emotion. Those present listened in silence as the senator wiped her tears and described Raila as a man who stood for truth, justice, and humanity.
“As I was driving to parliament, I saw the love. We couldn’t even get in because of the people. When you look at Kasarani, it is full because of the love,” Karanja said.