MESSAGE OF CONDOLENCE FROM H.E. UHURU KENYATTA FOLLOWING THE DEATH OF FORMER PRIME MINISTER HON. RAILA AMOLO ODINGA.
My heart is heavy, and my spirit is burdened with a grief that is both profound and deeply personal. The news of Raila’s passing has left a silence that echoes across our nation, a silence where once there was a voice of thunder and conviction.
To me, Raila was more than a political colleague; he was a defining part of my own journey, in public service and in life. Raila and I were navigators on opposing currents, charting different courses for the nation we both loved. At some point along that journey, we became political opponents and often, the weight of that competition felt immense.
Baba, as we fondly referred to him, was a man who made you sharpen your own ideas, compelling you to defend your positions with rigor and passion.
However, in the recent years, a different bond was forged; one of respect, of shared patriotism, and a common desire to see a united Kenya.
That journey from fierce political opponents to partners in the pursuit of “Handshake” unity taught me the true measure of the man. I saw firsthand his unwavering passion for this country, his deep-seated belief in justice, and his incredible capacity to think beyond personal ambition for the sake of national peace. He was a formidable opponent, but he was an even more invaluable ally in the cause of reconciliation.
I have lost a friend and a brother. I will miss our conversations sometimes challenging, always insightful and the fire of belief that never left his eyes.
To Mama Ida, the children, and the entire Odinga family, I extend my deepest, most heartfelt condolences. You have shared Baba with Kenya for a lifetime, and we mourn with you. We have lost a father to the nation, a steadfast champion for the people, and a true son of Kenya.
His legacy is not just in the political battles he fought, but in the peace he helped build. It is etched in the very fabric of our nation. Rest in peace, my brother. Your work here is done, but your echo will never fade.
H.E. Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta, C.G.H
4th President of the Republic of Kenya
15th October, 2025.
Baba Raila Odinga, may you rest well. To the family, your spouse Mama Ida Odinga and your children, my family and I join you in prayer during this difficult moment. My deepest sympathies to you and to the people of the Republic of Kenya.
The enigma Baba, the father of our democracy and a formidable hero of Kenya’s 2nd liberation, you stood tall and strong in intellect, knowledge and quest for democracy. You faced brutal regimes’ brutality, you were tortured, jailed, abducted and detained severally for Kenya. When the history of Africa’s Pan-Africanism is written, your chapter as the indefatigable lion of Africa will attract many readers.
You dedicated your life in the service of humanity: as a political activist, a Civil Servant, a University Lecturer, an MP, a Party Leader, a Cabinet Minister, a Prime Minister and many other fronts. On all these, your trail of success and impact remains indelible.
Kenyans will not only remember your craft in resilience, persistence and democratic values days on but also your voice during difficult moments.
It will be remembered that you were at the forefront in the fight for Kenya’s democracy and liberation of Kenya on many firsts. Most profoundly, Kenya’s multiparty democracy and the Constitution of Kenya 2010, a race you strongly stood in for and we the people of Kenya shall never forget.
Much as we have never been on the same political side, I have had a strong admiration of Raila Odinga's art of forming and sustaining a strong political party that survived 4 general elections. I remain amazed by his choice of quality legislators to fly the party flag and eloquently articulate party policies and the people they represented.
You are a hero celebrated home and away; you have not gone Raila Odinga, you have just faded away.
Rest in peace Baba and may perpetual light shine upon you forever.
Congratulations President Donald Trump, for one of the greatest political come-backs of our generation. Your victory is clear proof that resilience and a never-say-die attitude will always TRUMP obstacles on the path to your destiny.
God Bless You. God Bless America.
Here is a list of Cabinet Secretaries dismissed by President Ruto with immediate effect.
(I) Njuguna Ndung’u: National Treasury and Planning
(II) Onesmus Kipchumba Murkomen: Roads and Transport
(III) Aisha Jumwa: Gender, Culture, the Arts & Heritage
(IV) Aden Duale: Defence
(V) Alice Wahome: Lands, Public Works, Housing & Urban Development
(VI) Hon (Dr.) Alfred Mutua, EGH: Tourism & Wildlife
(VII) Moses K. Kuria, HSC: Public Service, Performance & Delivery Management
(VIII) Rebecca Miano: Investments, Trade & Industry
(IX) Kithure Kindiki: Interior and National Administration
(X) Roselinda Soipan Tuya: Environment and Forestry
(XI) Zachariah Mwangi Njeru: Water, Sanitation & Irrigation
(XII) Peninah Malonza, OGW: East African Community, The ASALs & Regional Development
(XIII) Mithika Linturi: Agriculture and Livestock Development
(XIV) Ezekiel Machogu: Education
(XV) Davis Chirchir: Energy and Petroleum
(XVI) Ababu Namwamba: Youth Affairs and Sports
(XVII) Simon Chelugui: Co-operatives and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Development
(XVIII) Salim Mvurya: Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs
(XIX) Florence Bore: Labour and Social Protection
(XX) Eliud Owalo: Information, Communications and the Digital Economy
(XXI) Susan Nakhumicha Wafula: Health
(XXII) Mercy Kiiru Wanjau: Secretary to the Cabinet