President William Ruto visited the family of the late opposition leader Raila Odinga at their Karen residence on Wednesday morning, offering condolences following Odinga's sudden death.
The emotional visit underscored the deep personal and political ties between the two leaders, as Ruto described Odinga as a pivotal figure in Kenya's democratic journey.
Ruto's presence at the home highlighted a moment of national mourning, drawing attention to Odinga's enduring influence across East Africa.
In a heartfelt statement released after the visit, President Ruto reflected on Odinga's lifelong commitment to Kenya's progress.
"We are blessed to live in a country that has been shaped by the will, the leadership, and the vision of the Right Hon Raila Odinga," Ruto said.
He praised Odinga as a "peacemaker who always put country first," noting his role in forging the path to Kenya's 2010 constitutional order amid years of struggle.
Ruto emphasized Odinga's optimism and humility, stating, "His life was a testament to the enduring power of a vision grounded in the ideals of democracy, justice, and unity."
The president hailed Odinga as "the most significant leader of our democratic experiment," crediting his courage and grace for inspiring generations.
On a personal level, Ruto shared intimate reflections, calling Odinga "a big brother, a mentor, a confidant and a selfless patriot."
"Every time I needed wise counsel, I turned to him time and again. He never once failed me and told me the truth every time, even when the truth was hard," Ruto noted.
This candid admission revealed the mentorship that bridged their once-rivalrous political paths, fostering a bond rooted in mutual respect.
Ruto extended assurances from his family, including wife Rachel and their children, to Odinga's widow Mama Ida, daughters Rosemary and Winnie, son Raila Junior, brother Senator Oburu, and the extended family.
"We stand with them in this moment of grief," he stated, urging Kenyans nationwide to unite in honoring Odinga's legacy.
Ruto invoked Odinga's faith-driven foundation, saying, "It is on that foundation that we shall find our way forward, inspired by his example, his legacy and optimism that our future is great."
Odinga's passing leaves a void in regional politics, where his pan-Africanist voice championed unity from Nairobi to Addis Ababa.
The emotional visit underscored the deep personal and political ties between the two leaders, as Ruto described Odinga as a pivotal figure in Kenya's democratic journey.
Ruto's presence at the home highlighted a moment of national mourning, drawing attention to Odinga's enduring influence across East Africa.
In a heartfelt statement released after the visit, President Ruto reflected on Odinga's lifelong commitment to Kenya's progress.
"We are blessed to live in a country that has been shaped by the will, the leadership, and the vision of the Right Hon Raila Odinga," Ruto said.
He praised Odinga as a "peacemaker who always put country first," noting his role in forging the path to Kenya's 2010 constitutional order amid years of struggle.
Ruto emphasized Odinga's optimism and humility, stating, "His life was a testament to the enduring power of a vision grounded in the ideals of democracy, justice, and unity."
The president hailed Odinga as "the most significant leader of our democratic experiment," crediting his courage and grace for inspiring generations.
On a personal level, Ruto shared intimate reflections, calling Odinga "a big brother, a mentor, a confidant and a selfless patriot."
"Every time I needed wise counsel, I turned to him time and again. He never once failed me and told me the truth every time, even when the truth was hard," Ruto noted.
This candid admission revealed the mentorship that bridged their once-rivalrous political paths, fostering a bond rooted in mutual respect.
Ruto extended assurances from his family, including wife Rachel and their children, to Odinga's widow Mama Ida, daughters Rosemary and Winnie, son Raila Junior, brother Senator Oburu, and the extended family.
"We stand with them in this moment of grief," he stated, urging Kenyans nationwide to unite in honoring Odinga's legacy.
Ruto invoked Odinga's faith-driven foundation, saying, "It is on that foundation that we shall find our way forward, inspired by his example, his legacy and optimism that our future is great."
Odinga's passing leaves a void in regional politics, where his pan-Africanist voice championed unity from Nairobi to Addis Ababa.
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