We shall miss your wisdom and laughter- Uhuru says in his final goodbye to Raila
He repeatedly honoured Raila, affectionately calling him “Jakom,” and acknowledged the former prime minister’s insights, thoughtfulness and leadership.
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has lauded the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga for his role in uniting Kenyans, describing him as a friend, brother and national leader whose wisdom and counsel will be deeply missed.
Speaking on Sunday while conveying his last tribute at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST), Uhuru expressed deep gratitude to the people of Bondo for raising a leader who served not only the country but the continent
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“To the people of Bondo, thank you for giving us a person who has served the people of Kenya and Africa. Thank you for giving us a leader who has united this country,” Uhuru said.
He repeatedly honoured Raila, affectionately calling him “Jakom,” and acknowledged the former prime minister’s insights, thoughtfulness and leadership.
“Jakom, we shall miss you as a friend, as a brother and a leader of this country. We shall miss your counsel, your wisdom and your laughter… Fare thee well, my friend.”
He also extended his condolences to Raila’s family and supporters, expressing solidarity with them during the difficult time.
“To Ida Odinga and your family, we are here to offer our condolences and to stand with you in this truly difficult moment. To the people of Bondo and Siaya at large, thank you. Your son is finally coming home to rest. Our condolences also go to all ODM members who are here today. Thank you for giving us a leader who helped unite this nation. We pray that our brother may have a peaceful journey, and may God guide him on his final path,” he said.
In his address on Thursday, Uhuru recalled their shared political journey and Raila’s impact on the nation. He urged Kenyans to remember Raila not only with grief but by carrying forward his ideals of justice, equality and unity.
“Your deeds will live long, and we will remember and emulate them. Fare thee well, Honourable Raila Amolo Odinga,” Uhuru said.
The two leaders, sons of Kenya’s founding fathers Jaramogi Oginga Odinga and Jomo Kenyatta, spent years as political rivals. Their rivalry shaped multiple elections, often marked by tension and national division. But on March 9, 2018, the two men stunned the nation with the now-famous Handshake on the steps of Harambee House in Nairobi, beginning a new era of cooperation and national reconciliation.
The Handshake led to the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI), aimed at constitutional reforms promoting inclusivity and cohesion, though it was later halted after courts declared it unconstitutional. Despite this, the Handshake reshaped Kenya’s political landscape and strengthened personal and political ties between the two men.
Even after the 2022 general election, which Raila lost, Uhuru continued to support him, both personally and politically, endorsing him as a statesman capable of uniting the nation.
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