Athletics Kenya mourns Raila Odinga, celebrates his unmatched passion for sports
Athletics Kenya honours the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, highlighting his lifelong dedication to football, athletics, and rugby, and the lasting impact of his sporting legacy on Kenya.
Athletics Kenya has joined the nation in mourning the late former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga, describing him as a towering statesman whose lifelong passion for sports helped shape Kenya into a continental powerhouse.
In a condolence message released on Thursday, the federation paid tribute to Odinga’s deep and enduring connection to sports, noting his steadfast support for football, athletics, and rugby. Odinga served as Gor Mahia’s patron and was often seen in stadiums cheering on both the club and the national team, Harambee Stars.
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“Odinga’s love for sports was unmatched,” read part of the statement. “Beyond football, his admiration for athletics ran deep, and his influence extended to rugby, where he was a familiar and supportive figure.”
Athletics Kenya also recalled Odinga’s youthful days as an athlete, when he competed in the 400 metres hurdles and the triple jump—an experience that reflected his lifelong bond with sports and the discipline it inspired in him.
As Prime Minister, Odinga envisioned a bold future for Kenya in global sport, notably leading the country’s bid to host the 2024 Olympic Games.
“His political journey, marked by resilience and sacrifice, shaped the freedoms and democratic space Kenyans enjoy today,” Athletics Kenya stated. “He was not only a political icon but also a believer in the unifying power of sport.”
The federation extended its deepest condolences to Odinga’s family, friends, and supporters, affirming that his contribution to Kenya’s sporting heritage “will remain etched in history.”
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