Nairobi Women Representative Esther Passaris expressed profound grief on X Wednesday, describing opposition icon Raila Odinga as a father figure and moral compass following his sudden death in India at age 80.
The post, shared hours after President William Ruto announced Odinga's passing, revealed a personal exchange between the two just days prior.
Passaris, a vocal advocate for women's rights and a key Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) ally, highlighted Odinga's profound influence on her political journey.
Passaris detailed their recent messages, where Odinga responded with characteristic warmth: “Thanks so much my dear for the wonderful message and prayers.”
She portrayed him as more than a mentor, stating, "You were more than a political mentor; you were a father figure, a moral compass, and a national treasure."
Her tribute concluded with a poignant farewell: "Kenya is Baba, and Baba is Kenya. Go well, Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga. Your light will forever guide us."
Passaris's words echoed the mentorship Odinga provided to emerging leaders, including her transition from activism to Parliament in 2017.
Odinga, a five-time presidential contender and architect of Kenya's 2010 Constitution, had long championed multiparty democracy through decades of activism and exile.
Their bond, forged in ODM ranks, underscored Odinga's role in nurturing progressive voices across Kenya's political spectrum.
As tributes poured in, the Football Kenya Federation suspended all league matches for seven days in honor of Odinga, the longtime patron of Gor Mahia.
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna urged calm mourning, noting it aligned with Odinga's peacemaking legacy.
Yet, tensions flared in Bondo, Odinga's home turf, with protests chanting "Ruto Must Go" and dismissing the president's condolences as insincere.
The National Security Council convened urgently at State House to address the national mood.
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