Mombasa: Mombasa residents have joined the rest of the country in mourning former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who passed on early Wednesday while undergoing medication in India. Led by a budding politician Charles Mghenyi, the residents described Raila as a selfless statesman who dedicated his life to fighting for democracy, justice, and equality in Kenya.
According to Kenya News Agency, Mghenyi expressed that it is a sad moment in Kenya as the ODM leader, who is also the opposition leader, has passed on. Raila has made a great contribution to the country in matters of democracy; he has fought for the democracy that Kenyans are enjoying today. Mghenyi highlighted devolution, multipartyism, and the 2010 Constitution as some of the rich legacies that the former PM has left behind. He shared that as a youth, Raila Odinga inspired him to join elective politics and extended condolences to the family of Raila Odinga and the ODM family.
A local politician, Abdilkadir Dekow, remarked that he learned humility from the late politician, adding that Raila was forgiving and a true patriot. Raila Odinga unsuccessfully ran for president five times, in 1997, 2007, 2013, 2017, and 2022. He served as Kenya's Prime Minister between 2008 and 2013 and was appointed the African Union's High Representative for Infrastructure Development in 2018, a position he held until 2023.
Raila was born on January 7, 1945, as the son of Kenya's first Vice President, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, and younger brother to Siaya Senator Dr. Oburu Odinga. He is widely regarded as one of Kenya's most influential and experienced political figures. His passing has left a void in the nation's political and historical landscape.