The late former Prime Minister Raila Amollo Odinga “died strong, with dignity and pride,” his daughter Winnie Odinga told mourners during his State funeral service at Nyayo National Stadium on Friday.
Delivering a moving and deeply personal tribute, Winnie recounted her father’s final moments in India and reflected on the values that defined both his life and legacy.
“I was with him in India when he took his last breath. He died in my arms, but he did not die as people have been saying on social media,” she said. “Every day he was waking up and walking one round, then two rounds the next day. That morning, he pushed to five rounds. He died strong and with dignity and pride, and you must be proud of that.”
Winnie urged Kenyans to emulate her father’s resilience, urging them to “walk with your heads held high, and walk strong and proud that he left as a gentleman.”
She described Raila not only as a national icon but also as a devoted father and a “superhero” to his children.
“I do not know who I will miss more… my dad or my superhero. I am the luckiest girl in the world because you were my dad,” she said, adding that her siblings Fidel, Rosemary, and Junior shared in that privilege.
Winnie recalled their family life as filled with laughter and intellect, describing their home as “the vitendawili testing ground,” where Raila often challenged them with riddles and trivia.
“To the world, you were known by many names, but to me, you were simply Dad, a man whose presence froze rooms around the world,” she said.
In a moment that drew laughter from the crowd, Winnie shared that her father’s characteristic wit and foresight endured even in his final wishes.
“When I learnt that you willed to be buried in 72 hours, I laughed, ‘Good old Dad! Testing and planning for us beyond the grave!’ I can see you now, laughing in your heaving manner, knowing that your wish will be done,” she said.
Reflecting on his political and personal journey, Winnie said her father’s life embodied sacrifice, justice, and service.
“He taught us that love for country is not just in words, but in sacrifice; that justice must be pursued even when the path is lonely; and that true leadership is service, not power,” she said.
Winnie encouraged Kenyans not to lose hope, saying her father had left a guiding plan for the nation.
“Millions of you are in despair, but take heart, because he left a plan for you too. He led all of us, he taught us, he carried us, we know what he expects from all of us and we shall rise together in his honour,” she said.
In her closing words, Winnie paid tribute to her father’s enduring spirit: “The biggest part of me died on October 15, 2025. But the spirit of the lion roars on forever. The King is dead, but long live the crown.”
The State funeral brought together local and international dignitaries, including heads of state, diplomats, and thousands of Kenyans who gathered to celebrate the life of a man many hailed as a symbol of democracy, courage, and resilience.
