GLOBAL – A Kenyan pastor based in Los Angeles, Reverend Canon John Edward Limo, has reportedly passed away in the United States. According to initial reports from Friday, 24 October 2025, his death occurred while he was watching the televised funeral proceedings of veteran Kenyan politician Raila Odinga. These events place a spotlight on the profound and personal impact of Kenyan national events on its diaspora community.

The central claims surrounding the passing of both Mr. Odinga and Rev. Limo are based on initial reports and require further official confirmation. According to these unconfirmed reports, Mr. Odinga, a towering figure in Kenyan politics for decades, died at the age of 80 on Wednesday, 15 October 2025, following a cardiac arrest while seeking medical treatment in India. President William Ruto was reported to have described Odinga as a “giant of democracy” and declared a period of national mourning. The funeral service was reportedly held in his ancestral home of Bondo on Sunday, 19 October 2025.

Rev. Limo, who served as a priest at St. Timothy’s Church in Los Angeles, within the Episcopal Diocese, was a devoted supporter of Mr. Odinga. Reports indicate that on the morning of the funeral, he had placed phone calls to Kenyan media outlets Ramogi TV and Ramogi Radio to express his condolences to the nation. His death, coming just moments after the conclusion of the burial, has been described as a poignant and symbolic event by community members. FURTHER INVESTIGATION REQUIRED.

Diaspora Connections and Political Ties

Rev. Limo’s connection to Kenyan politics was not only through his personal convictions but also through family. He was married to Violet Odhiambo, the sister of Suba North Member of Parliament, Millie Odhiambo. In a social media post, Hon. Odhiambo confirmed the death of her brother-in-law, stating he was a “diehard” supporter of Odinga and had been following the funeral proceedings when he passed. She noted that he had recently expressed his sorrow at being unable to be in Kenya for the burial.

The incident underscores the significant role that the Kenyan diaspora plays in the nation's civic life. Despite geographical distance, many Kenyans abroad remain deeply engaged with political developments at home, a connection amplified by digital media and transnational family networks. The emotional weight of national tragedies and triumphs is often felt just as acutely by those living thousands of miles away, as demonstrated by the community's reaction to this news.

A Legacy of Political Activism

Raila Odinga’s political career spanned several decades, during which he was a central figure in the struggle for multi-party democracy in Kenya. He served as a Member of Parliament for Langata from 1992 to 2013 and as Prime Minister in a coalition government from 2008 to 2013, a position created to resolve the political crisis following the disputed 2007 election. He made five unsuccessful attempts at the presidency, each time alleging electoral irregularities.

His passing marks the end of an era in Kenyan politics, leaving a significant vacuum in the opposition. For his many supporters, both in Kenya and globally, his death represents a monumental loss. The reported circumstances of Rev. Limo's death, while tragic, serve as a testament to the powerful and lasting legacy of political figures like Raila Odinga and the deep, cross-continental bonds that define the Kenyan nation.