Millicent Odhiambo recalls Raila’s final plea for unity, forgiveness

Minority Whip of the National Assembly, Millicent Odhiambo, paid tribute to Raila Odinga, recalling her final conversation with him where he urged unity and forgiveness.

The legislator said she was shattered upon learning of his death while at State House, describing it as the hardest moment of her life.

Odhiambo also revealed that no woman MP travelled to India because President Ruto had asked them to remain behind and support Ida Odinga, a gesture she said showed deep empathy and would never be forgotten.

Speaking during the funeral service on Sunday, Odhiambo recounted her last meeting with Raila on Monday evening, describing how he appeared lively and strong.

“He told me, 'We need to be united as a party'. And he said it in Dholuo,” she said, emphasising that even in his final hours, Raila remained focused on unity and the strength of the movement he built.

The Minority Whip said Raila spoke cheerfully, joking about false rumours of his death.

“When I asked him, ‘Baba, how are you?’ he told me, ‘I am fine. In fact, in the morning I walked all around. I am even surprised. There are people who have killed me in Kenya and have already buried me,” she recounted.

Odhiambo said those words, which seemed light-hearted at the time, now carried painful significance.

“To those who killed Baba before his time, we forgive you because we are Christians, but we will never forget. And to those who stood with Baba, we shall also never forget,” she told mourners.

She recalled being in the State House when the news of Raila’s death was announced.

“That morning, I was the only ODM member among the Luo political class present. When the president said, ‘I have bad news,’ I somehow already knew. I don’t know how I knew,” she said.

Overwhelmed by grief, Odhiambo said she could barely walk after hearing the news.

“The longest walk I have ever taken was from your office, President, to my car. I almost collapsed twice. I may appear strong, but Baba’s death broke me completely,” she said.

Odhiambo went on to thank President Ruto for his understanding and compassion during the period of mourning. She disclosed that the president had specifically asked women MPs not to travel to India so that they could remain behind to stand with Ida Odinga.

“When you told us to go and be with Mama Ida, and you removed the women to stay with her, that sensitivity meant so much to us. We shall never forget,” she said.

The legislator described Raila’s passing as a painful loss not only to his family but also to those who believed in his ideals. She said his message of unity and forgiveness should continue to guide the party and the nation he dedicated his life.

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