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Former Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa has shared personal anecdotes highlighting the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga's empathy and wit during profound family losses, offering a glimpse into a lesser-known side of the political titan.
As Kenya observes a period of national mourning for former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, former Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa has offered a poignant reflection on Odinga's personal kindness during his family's most challenging times. Wamalwa, speaking on Friday, October 17, 2025, through a post on X, recounted two instances where Odinga transcended political divides to offer genuine support and even humour in moments of grief.
Wamalwa's remarks come as Kenyans gather at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi for the State Funeral service of Odinga, who passed away on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, in India at the age of 80 after suffering a cardiac arrest. The government declared Friday, October 17, 2025, a public holiday in his honour.
Raila Odinga, a towering figure in Kenyan politics for over four decades, served as Prime Minister from 2008 to 2013 following a power-sharing agreement that resolved the post-2007 election violence. His political journey was marked by significant events, including his detention without trial for six years after being accused of involvement in the 1982 attempted coup against President Daniel arap Moi. He was also a key proponent of multi-party democracy in the early 1990s and played a major role in the promulgation of the 2010 Constitution.
Eugene Wamalwa's recollections shed light on Odinga's character beyond the political arena. Wamalwa specifically recalled Odinga's presence during the mourning of his late brother, Michael Kijana Wamalwa, who served as Kenya's eighth Vice-President and passed away on August 23, 2003. "I couldn’t help but remember how he mourned my late brother Mike, arriving in Kitale with bulls," Wamalwa wrote.
A second instance of Odinga's compassion, coupled with his characteristic wit, occurred during the requiem mass for Wamalwa's late sister-in-law, Yvonne Wamalwa. Yvonne, the widow of Michael Kijana Wamalwa, passed away on January 25, 2018. This mass took place just days after Odinga had been sworn in as the "People's President" at Uhuru Park on January 30, 2018, a controversial ceremony following the disputed 2017 presidential election. Wamalwa noted, "I didn’t even know how to introduce him, and I’ll never forget how witty he was that day."
The State Funeral for Raila Odinga is being coordinated by a National Committee co-chaired by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga, Raila's elder brother. The ceremony at Nyayo National Stadium is scheduled to last two hours, commencing at 9:00 AM EAT, and will include full military honours, a sermon by the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK), and tributes from local and international leaders. Odinga will be buried on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at his ancestral home in Bondo, Siaya County, in accordance with ACK traditions and his family's wishes for interment within 72 hours of his passing.
Deputy President Kindiki has urged for calm and order during the mourning period, acknowledging the overwhelming turnout of mourners. Following the official State Funeral service, members of the public will have an extended opportunity to view Odinga's body at Nyayo Stadium from around 12:00 noon EAT, to allow a greater number of Kenyans to pay their last respects.
While Eugene Wamalwa's recent statements focus on Odinga's compassionate side, Wamalwa has previously been critical of Odinga's political actions. In past instances, Wamalwa has accused Odinga of "doublespeak" and questioned his political alliances, particularly regarding his engagement with the current government. These past criticisms highlight the complex and often shifting dynamics within Kenyan politics, even as leaders unite in mourning.
Odinga's body was moved to Parliament Buildings earlier on Friday, October 17, 2025, to lie in state before being transported to Nyayo National Stadium for the State Funeral. After the Nairobi ceremony, the body will be taken to his Karen residence for an overnight vigil. On Saturday, October 18, 2025, the body will be flown to Kisumu for a public viewing at Moi Stadium from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM EAT, before being transported by road to Bondo for a final overnight stay at his ancestral home.
The coming days will focus on the final rites for Raila Odinga, with national attention on the burial ceremony in Bondo on Sunday, October 19, 2025. The event is expected to draw a significant number of local and international dignitaries, underscoring Odinga's enduring influence on both Kenyan and African politics.
