Kenyan leaders have paid tribute to former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga on the first anniversary of his death, remembering him as a patriot, a mentor and a central figure in the country's democratic journey.
In messages shared ahead of and on October 15, political allies, government officials and individuals who worked closely with Raila reflected on his influence on their lives, his commitment to Kenya and the personal relationships they built with him.
Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen remembered the late leader through a poem titled “One Year On, Baba Lives On”, describing Raila as part of the country's history and calling on future generations to preserve the values he championed.
“He is our history and our story, A nation he shaped and watered, until the day he soared,” Murkomen wrote.
“In his honour, We shall tend the tree Of peace, democracy and selfless courage, and pass it on to posterity."
Homa Bay Governor and ODM national chairperson Gladys Wanga, whose political career was shaped in part by Raila's support, described their relationship as deeply personal. She credited him with giving her opportunities to grow in leadership and expressed gratitude for the confidence he had placed in her.
“Whatever I have achieved in politics, I owe in large measure to his belief in me. He gave me a platform, held my hand and opened doors that helped shape my political journey,” Wanga said.
Her tribute recalled the guidance she received from the former ODM leader and the difficulty of coming to terms with his absence a year later.
Information, Communications and the Digital Economy Cabinet Secretary William Kabogo Gitau also remembered Raila with respect, highlighting his patriotism and dedication to the country.
“One year on, I remember HE Raila Odinga with deep respect and gratitude. He was a patriot and a towering statesman whose courage and dedication to Kenya will always be remembered,” Kabogo wrote.
President William Ruto, in a tribute shared by the head of diversity and inclusion in the office of the President Isaac Mwaura on October 7, described Raila's contribution as extending beyond party politics.
“Raila Amolo Odinga was a once-in-a-generation leader whose vision transcended politics, whose courage shaped Kenya's democratic journey, and whose life and service became inseparably woven into the history of our Republic,” he said.
ODM acting secretary general Catherine Omanyo recalled Raila as a mentor who recognised the potential of others and gave them opportunities to participate in leadership.
She said he had personally entrusted her with a senior party responsibility after she was elected to Parliament.
“To those of us who had the privilege of working with him, he was also a mentor, a teacher and a leader who had a remarkable ability to recognise potential in others and give them the opportunity to serve,” Omanyo said.
Her tribute highlighted his support for greater participation by women and young people in public life, adding to recollections of a leader who helped shape the political journeys of people around him.
Johnson Muthama CBS, who worked alongside Raila when he was Prime Minister and later shared political campaigns with him, remembered their friendship as one marked by shared convictions and sacrifice.
“One year on, I fondly remember my longtime political friend and ally, Raila Odinga (JAKOM). From our days in government, when he served as Prime Minister and I as Chief Whip, to our shared journey in CORD and NASA, we stood together through a defining chapter in our country’s political history,” Muthama wrote.
He also recalled setting aside his bid to defend his Senate seat in 2017 to campaign for Raila's presidential bid, describing the experience as part of a political journey he would continue to cherish.
“Beyond politics, ours was a journey of shared convictions, sacrifice and enduring memories. Your absence is still deeply felt, my friend. Rest peacefully, JAKOM. I will forever cherish the road we walked together,” he said.
Nominated Senator Karen Nyamu, who said she had often found herself on the opposite side of Raila politically, reflected on the occasions when they interacted more closely. She recalled meeting him at Capitol Hill, during the launch of his African Union Commission chairperson bid, at the Senate and during engagements in Vihiga and Addis Ababa.
“Baba had a commanding presence, yet warm. You felt safe around him,” Nyamu said, describing the impression he left on her despite their political differences.
Cabinet Secretary Hanna Wendot Cheptumo also joined those remembering Raila's place in Kenya's history, describing his contribution to democracy and nationhood as enduring.
“A nation remembers a patriot. A generation honours a statesman,” Cheptumo said in her tribute.
Wanami Wamboka remembered Raila as a leader whose courage and sacrifice influenced generations, adding that the causes he championed remained relevant beyond his lifetime.
“One year ago, Kenya lost a political enigma, Rt Hon Raila Amolo Odinga, a towering democrat whose courage, sacrifice and influence shaped our history and inspired generations,” Wamboka wrote.
Patrick Makau's tribute focused on the permanence of Raila's memory, describing him as irreplaceable and affirming that his ideals would endure.
“Today marks one year since we lost Baba, Raila Amolo Odinga. Baba Raila Amolo Odinga, Forever Irreplaceable. Your legacy lives on, your ideals endure and your memory remains forever etched in our hearts. Jowi!!!!” Makau wrote.
Jaoko Oburu also remembered Raila in deeply personal terms, describing the late former Prime Minister as a hero, leader and father.
“A day like this last year we lost our hero, our leader and our father, Baba Raila Amollo Odinga,” Jaoko wrote.
“Today, we remember him and celebrate his life, service and love he had for Kenya and Kenyans. Forever in our hearts Jakom. Continue resting in peace BABA!” he added.
At a pre-anniversary gathering in Vihiga, Governor Wilber Ottichilo remembered Raila for championing devolution and the freedoms enjoyed by Kenyans.
“Baba will be remembered as a leader who fought for devolution, which we are enjoying now. He also fought for democracy and freedom of speech that Kenyans enjoy today. His struggle gave counties the power and resources to serve wananchi at the grassroots,” Ottichilo said.
The tributes reflect different aspects of Raila's public and personal life. For some, he was a political mentor who opened doors and offered guidance; for others, he was a friend whose warmth endured despite political differences. Others remembered his contribution to democratic reforms and the transfer of resources closer to citizens.
Born in Maseno on January 7, 1945, Raila served as Kenya's Prime Minister from 2008 to 2013 and remained a major figure in opposition politics and constitutional reform. His political journey included years of detention and a sustained push for changes that shaped Kenya's democratic system. He died in India on October 15, 2025, aged 80.
A year after his death, the tributes from colleagues, political allies and leaders who encountered him at different stages of their lives return to a common theme: a legacy remembered not only through national politics, but also through personal bonds, mentorship and the ideals he inspired others to carry forward.
