Crowd Erupts as Uhuru Kenyatta Recalls Intimate Moments with Late Raila Odinga

The crowd at Nyayo Stadium erupted in laughter and later fell silent as former President Uhuru Kenyatta delivered a heartfelt tribute to the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga during his state funeral on Friday.

Uhuru recalled the many intimate and reflective moments he shared with Raila, painting a picture of friendship that went beyond politics.

“Sometimes after work, we would sit together, talking and laughing,” Uhuru said, smiling as he addressed mourners. “I once asked him — those old men who died before us, Jaramogi and Jomo — when they sit, what do they discuss? I said they must talk about politics just like us.”

The crowd burst into laughter as Uhuru paused, before he added softly, “But now, Raila, you’ve left and you’re talking with them. It’s not that I’m in a hurry to come where you are — but I still want to be around.”

Moments later, the mood grew solemn as the former president spoke about the pain of losing a friend and political partner.

“My heart is heavy, and my spirit is burdened with a grief that is both profound and deeply personal,” Uhuru said. “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.”

Uhuru described Raila as a man who shaped Kenya’s political story, not only as a rival but also as a partner in building the nation.

“Raila and I were navigators on opposing currents, charting different courses for the nation we both loved,” he said. “At some point along that journey, we became political opponents. The competition was tough, but from it came respect and a shared patriotism.”

He noted that the famous Handshake of 2018 was a turning point that demonstrated Raila’s true statesmanship.

“He made you sharpen your ideas, defend your positions, and think beyond yourself,” Uhuru said. “He loved Kenya more than anything else — he was not tribal, and he always stood for unity, peace, and justice.”

As he concluded, the former president urged Kenyans to honor Raila’s legacy by safeguarding the values he fought for.

“As we bid him farewell, let’s promise to ensure that the democracy and freedoms Raila fought for will never be wiped away,” Uhuru said. “We will not allow this country to go backwards — that is what Raila would have wanted.”