Roots Party leader George Wajackoyah has paid an emotional tribute to the late former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga, describing him as a political father whose death has left him “an orphan.”
Wajackoyah, who returned to the country from the United States, visited Raila’s Opoda Farm in Bondo, Siaya County, where he joined other leaders and mourners paying their final respects to the late statesman.
Speaking to journalists after viewing the body, Wajackoyah reflected on Raila’s mentorship and influence in his political journey, saying the ODM leader had been a guiding light.
“He has left me as an orphan,” Wajackoyah said emotionally.
The professor said Raila’s contribution to Kenya’s democracy and leadership left a mark that can never be replaced.
“I was holding on to him, learning from him. Everything you see about me is from Raila and his father. I don’t know how we will fill that gap. Raila’s shoes are too big to fill, and I can’t even move near them because they are big shoes,” he said.
He went on to praise Raila’s humility and forgiving nature, noting that he often embraced even those who once opposed him.
“He is a man of honesty and integrity. He loves his enemies. There are those who abused him and called him names, but at the end of the day, he laughed with them and embraced them,” Wajackoyah added.
Wajackoyah’s tribute echoed the sentiments of many Kenyans and leaders who have hailed Raila as a visionary figure who transcended politics to embody unity and hope.
Raila Odinga died on October 15 at the age of 80 while receiving treatment in India, triggering a wave of grief across the nation and beyond.
The late opposition leader’s body is expected to be airlifted from Kisumu to his Opoda Farm in Bondo for a night vigil before his burial on Sunday.
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