Dr Ida Odinga on Tuesday led the Raila Odinga family in expressing gratitude to, the Government of Kenya, international leaders and the Kenyan public for the support accorded following the death and burial of the late Raila Amolo Odinga.
She also urged party leaders to preserve ODM in his honour and to remain guided by his principles of consultation, dialogue and unity.
“It is my wish that we preserve the party in his honour and as a matter of service to our country,” she said, appealing to ODM leaders to resolve internal differences through dialogue.
In a statement issued on what would have been Raila Odinga’s 81st birthday, Ida said the family was deeply grateful to all those who made it possible for the former Prime Minister and ODM leader to receive what she described as a dignified farewell.
“On behalf of our family, I wish to share our most sincere and deep gratitude to everyone who, in one way or another, made it possible for us to give Baba the dignified exit that he received,” she said.
Ida singled out President Ruto for what she termed decisive and swift intervention, noting that government support enabled the transfer of Raila Odinga’s body from India to Kenya within record time and ensured the burial was conducted in accordance with his will.
“Mr President, we saw the hand of friendship. We felt the positive weight of government, at your direction, and we are grateful,” she said.
She also thanked Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for what she described as personal and executive interventions that facilitated the repatriation of Raila Odinga’s body from India.
Ida acknowledged the support of former heads of state and regional leaders, including former President Uhuru Kenyatta, Nigeria’s Olusegun Obasanjo, Ghana’s Nana Akufo-Addo, Tanzania’s Jakaya Kikwete and African Development Bank President Akinwumi Adesina.
The family further expressed gratitude to the medical teams in Kenya and India who attended to Raila Odinga during his illness, naming several doctors who were involved in his care.
Ida paid special tribute to the people of Kenya, describing them as Raila Odinga’s greatest source of strength throughout his life.
“Other than his family, Baba’s greatest love was the people of Kenya,” she said.
She also thanked the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), saying the party held a special place in Raila Odinga’s life.
Ida concluded by thanking Kenyans for joining the family in commemorating Raila Odinga’s life, and offered prayers for the nation and the party he led for decades.
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