Leaders in tears: Emotional scenes as leaders weep openly following Raila’s death
By Paulette Mboga, October 19, 2025Tearful scenes were witnessed across the country as top leaders broke down upon receiving the news of the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga on October 15, 2025.
The late opposition leader’s passing brought the nation to a standstill, with many of his close allies overcome by emotion as they mourned a man they described as the pillar of Kenya’s democracy.
Also watch: Leaders break down in tears as they mourn Raila Odinga
Tom Kajwang weeps
Ruaraka Member of Parliament Tom Joseph Kajwang was among the first to be seen weeping uncontrollably after hearing of Raila’s passing. Kajwang, a loyal supporter of the ODM leader, could not hold back tears as he reflected on the bond they shared.
When Raila Odinga swore himself in as the “People’s President” on January 30, 2018, at Uhuru Park in Nairobi, Ruaraka MP Tom Joseph Kajwang played a central role in the ceremony.
TJ Kajwang, who is also a lawyer, was the one who officiated the oath-taking. Wearing his full advocate’s robes and wig, he stood beside Raila Odinga and administered the symbolic oath before a massive crowd of supporters.
Nassir breaks down
Among the thousands gathered to receive the fallen statesman was Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir, who broke down in tears upon seeing the casket draped in the Kenyan flag.
Watch: Mombasa governor weeps uncontrollably at JKIA as Raila’s body arrives
The governor, a long-time ally and loyal supporter of the former Prime Minister, was visibly overwhelmed by emotion, sobbing uncontrollably as his bodyguard watched.
Sifuna mourns Raila
ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna was visibly emotional as he visited Raila’s home in Karen. “We have lost our father,” Sifuna wrote on X.
“He will remain a true giant of our nation and a darling in the hearts of Kenyans for his unwavering fight for justice and firm stand on freedom for all.
While we process this adverse news and await further updates, I urge all party members to observe the tenets of unity and rally together as we reflect on the life and times of our leader, a man who has been a mentor and father to all, hence the moniker, “Baba”. His statement ended.
Also watch: Ichung’wah fights back tears paying tribute to late Raila Odinga
Mbadi recalls Raila’s legacy
Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi could not hold back tears during Raila Odinga’s state funeral at the Nyayo Stadium.
Taking his sadness to social media, he said, “With a heavy heart, I landed back safely into the country at 1:30 am from Washington DC to mourn a global icon, human rights defender and a towering statesman of unprecedented zeal.”
He continued, “I wish to inform the nation that the sad news of Baba Hon. Raila Odinga’s demise found me in Washington, DC & I had to cut short the engagements, rush home to join fellow Kenyans during this grieving moment.”