List of top leaders who publicly cried following the death of Raila
By Cynthia Lodite, October 17, 2025As Kenyans mourn the death of Rt. Honourable Raila Odinga, various leaders expressed their emotions, breaking down into tears after receiving the news of Raila’s sudden demise.
The leaders, led by former President Uhuru Kenyatta, who had visited Raila Odinga’s Karen residence to mourn with his family, were moved by him after he broke down in tears.
Also watch: President Ruto, Uhuru Kenyatta receive Raila Odinga’s body at JKIA
In a viral video that captured the emotional moment, Uhuru broke down in tears while hugging Raila’s widow, Mama Ida Odinga.
Afterwards, Uhuru shared words of comfort, eulogising the man he once worked closely with during his presidency.
Kalonzo Musyoka
Similarly, Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka broke down in tears at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport as he mourned his dear friend Raila Odinga.
In a video shared on his official X account on Friday, October 17, 2025, Kalonzo could be seen wiping his tears with a white handkerchief surrounded by other Wiper Party leaders.
Also watch: Ichung’wah fights back tears paying tribute to late Raila Odinga
The leader, who was a close political ally of the late Rt. Honourable Raila Odinga later took to his X account, expressing his heartfelt condolences while describing Raila’s life.
“I was joined by the leadership of @TheWiperParty this morning at JKIA, Nairobi. These are truly heavy days for our nation. As we gather to celebrate Raila’s remarkable life, we will find solace in his spirit of courage, unity, and justice,” said Kalonzo.
Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir
Likewise, 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.
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.
Watch: Mombasa governor weeps uncontrollably at JKIA as Raila’s body arrives
Tabitha Karanja
In addition, Nakuru 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.
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.
Fatuma Mohammed
Likewise, Migori County Woman representative Fatuma Mohammed broke down in tears during a parliamentary sitting where he recounted her last conversation with the late Raila Odinga.
According to the legislator, in a conversation with Raila Odinga, he had promised to be back in the country by Friday; however, that was not it as news arrived of his sudden demise in India, where he was undergoing treatment.
“Baba you lied to me that you are coming back in the country by Friday”, Migori Women Rep Fatuma Mohammed broke down while eulogising Raila Odinga.
Likoni MP and Busia Woman Representative
On the other hand, Likoni MP Mishi Mboko and Busia Woman Representative Catherine Omanyo, both members of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), broke down in tears and wept uncontrollably, visibly shaken by the passing of their party leader.
In a video from a morning sitting showed the Sergeant-at-Arms stepped in to comfort the two as other MPs watched in stunned silence.
Though Speaker Moses Wetang’ula did not immediately disclose the reason for the sudden adjournment, the mood in the House reflected a growing sense of sorrow and disbelief.