'My dad died in my arms': Winnie Odinga remembers Raila’s final moments

Winnie Odinga, the daughter of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, spoke with raw emotion as she shared the final moments with her father, saying she held him in her arms as he passed away.

Addressing a silent audience of mourners at Nyayo Stadium on Friday, she recalled his strength, dignity, and the lessons he left behind, blending personal grief with his lasting national legacy.

“A part of me died on October 15, 2025,” Winnie said. “But the spirit of the lion lives on forever. I was with him in India when he took his last breath. He died in my arms. But he did not die as people have been saying on social media. Every day, he woke up, walked, and did his rounds. That morning, he pushed five rounds. He died strong, with dignity and pride. You must be proud. Walk tall and proud - he left as a gentleman.”

She described her father as both a superhero and a loving parent.

“I don’t know who I’ll miss more - my Dad or my superhero,” she said. “I am the luckiest girl in the world because you were my Dad. Only three other human beings were as lucky as me: Fidel, Rozzy, and Junior.”

Winnie shared stories from their home, which she called “the vitendawili testing ground,” where her father kept the family sharp with riddles and quizzes. “Our home was filled with quizzes that tested us in a good way… sometimes,” she said, smiling.

Recalling her father’s humour even in planning for life after death, she said, “When I learnt that you willed to be buried in 72 hours, I laughed. Good old Dad! Testing and planning for us beyond the grave. I can see you now, laughing in your heaving manner, knowing your wish will be done.”

Turning to the mourners, Winnie highlighted the lessons of leadership, justice, and patriotism her father instilled.

“I learned from him that love for country is not just in words, but in sacrifice. That justice must be pursued even when the path is lonely. That true leadership is service, not power. Millions of you are in despair, but take heart. He left a plan for you, too. He led all of us, he taught us, he carried us - we know what he expects from all of us, and we shall rise together in his honour.”

She praised Raila’s humility and resilience. “I watched him at his best. I watched him fall and rise again each time with grace, forgiveness, and hope. He taught us that defeat is not failure, that conviction is not arrogance, and that peace is always greater than pride.”

Winnie also spoke of her father’s devotion to family and grandchildren. “Ask his grandchildren in the front,” she said, tearfully smiling.

“I started getting sidelined for holidays. I’d just wake up and see Baba in Kasarani with Saphie, or Malindi with Senayi, or insisting the captain must land the plane with Laiyon at the cockpit. He loved Saphie, Allay, Senayi, Laiyon, and Jara with all his heart. Even during the busiest moments of national duty, he would send me to check on all of you to remind us to stay grounded, dream boldly, and always stand firm for what is right.”

Concluding her tribute, Winnie reflected on the father she knew and the leader the world admired.

“Today, as we celebrate his life, I choose to remember not only the leader the world knew, but the father I loved with every fibre of my being. The biggest part of me died on October 15, 2025, but the spirit of the lion roars on forever. The King is dead - but long live the crown.”

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