Becki Wiers
Former president Uhuru Kenyatta visited Raila Odinga’s Karen residence to mourn with his family following the former prime minister’s sudden death A now-viral video captured the emotional moment Uhuru broke down in tears while hugging Raila’s widow, Mama Ida Odinga After sharing words of comfort, the former head of state posted a powerful message on social media eulogising the man he once worked closely with during his presidency Search option is now available at TUKO! Feel free to search the content on topics/people you enjoy reading about in the top right corner 😉
Former prime minister Raila Odinga passed away on Wednesday, October 15, leaving the entire nation in mourning.
Uhuru Kenyatta shed tears as he mourned former prime minister Raila Odinga. Photo: Office of the 4th president Uhuru Kenyatta.
Source: Facebook The veteran politician’s death occurred in India, where he had travelled for medical attention.
His brother, Oburu Oginga, later confirmed that Raila suffered a heart attack while in the company of his lastborn daughter, Winnie, while taking a morning walk.
The heartbreaking news has left millions of Kenyans devastated, including leaders who once clashed with him politically but later reconciled, among them, former president Uhuru Kenyatta.
Did Uhuru cry while mourning Raila? Following news of Raila’s death, high-ranking officials trooped to Mama Ida Odinga’s Karen residence to console the family.
Among those who visited was former president Uhuru Kenyatta, accompanied by his wife, former first lady Margaret Kenyatta.
Initially, only photos from the visit circulated online, offering a glimpse but not the full picture of the emotions in the room.
However, a now-viral video has since revealed the depth of Uhuru’s pain as he arrived at Raila’s home to mourn with Mama Ida.
Uhuru was seen passionately embracing Mama Ida as she broke down on his shoulder.
The former head of state appeared visibly emotional, sobbing softly while shaking his head in disbelief.
After their long embrace, Uhuru is heard comforting Mama Ida, whispering:
“I am so sorry,” while still struggling to come to terms with the loss. Margaret was also seen warmly hugging Mama Ida before offering quiet words of encouragement.
On X, the former head of state said:
” Rt Hon Raila Amolo Odinga’s enduring legacy of resilience and statesmanship will definitely continue to inspire generations to come. 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.” Watch the video of Uhuru crying below:
Were Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila Odinga friends? Raila and Uhuru’s relationship evolved over the years, from fierce political rivals to close allies.
Their friendship took a turning point in 2019 when the two leaders buried their differences and shook hands in a historic truce that came to be known as the handshake.
From then on, Uhuru stood firmly by Raila’s side, even campaigning for him in the 2022 General Election despite his own deputy come President William Ruto, also being on the ballot.
Uhuru Kenyatta mourned with Raila Odinga’s widow, Ida Odinga. Photo: Uhuru Kenyatta.
Source: Twitter All you need to know about Raila Odinga’s funeral President William Ruto announced that the former prime minister will be accorded a state funeral today, Friday, October 17. The final burial rites for the veteran politician are scheduled for Sunday, October 19, at his rural home. According to his brother Oburu, the ceremony will be a private affair attended by a few close family members, with Raila set to be laid to rest beside his mother. Has Barack Obama mourned Raila? Former US president Barack Obama has yet to post any message of condolence following Raila’s death.
His silence has sparked reactions online, particularly since, on the same day Raila passed away, Obama publicly mourned a popular R&B artiste.
Many Kenyans have been questioning why he has not shared a message of sympathy, especially given that President Donald J. Trump has already sent his condolences.
Proofreading by Asher Omondi, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
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