City lawyer Donald Kipkorir has paid tribute to former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, describing the late opposition chief as a politician who transcended tribal, religious and racial divisions and refused to hold grudges against his opponents.
Kipkorir said he was proud to have supported Raila for nearly two decades, recalling their friendship and the lessons he said the former premier imparted during his political career.
His remarks came as President William Ruto on Tuesday joined Raila’s family and political allies at Opoda Farm in Siaya County for the unveiling of the late politician’s mausoleum.
As the country prepares to mark a year since Raila’s death, Kipkorir said the mausoleum provided an opportunity to celebrate the former premier’s contribution to Kenya while remembering the values he stood for.
“As we unveil the mausoleum of Baba Raila Odinga, I give him his flowers that I always gave him when he was alive,” Kipkorir said.
The lawyer described Raila as a unique figure in Kenya’s political history, particularly for what he viewed as the former premier’s ability to separate political disagreements from personal relationships.
“Baba was and still the only politician in Kenya’s history that never kept a list of his enemies. He held no grudges,” Kipkorir said.
He added that Raila’s political influence extended beyond ethnic and social identities, arguing that the former premier had a broader vision for the country.
“He was above tribe, religion, gender and race. He was a man ahead of his time,” Kipkorir said.
Raila died in India on October 15, 2025, aged 80, after a long career in Kenyan politics. His death triggered an outpouring of tributes from across the political divide, with leaders who had both worked with and opposed him acknowledging his influence on the country’s democratic development.
Kipkorir said he believed Raila would have made an exceptional president, despite never occupying the country’s highest office.
“Baba was the President Kenya needed but never had,” he said.
The lawyer also reflected on his personal association with Raila, saying he had remained firmly in his camp despite facing opposition from people within his own community.
“I am truly humbled to say we were friends and I stood in his corner from 2005 until his demise,” Kipkorir said.
He said Raila’s commitment to his political convictions remained one of the most important lessons he took from their association.
“Baba taught us that we must stand by our principles and beliefs even if we lose the world,” Kipkorir said.
Kipkorir concluded his tribute by urging Kenyans to preserve Raila’s memory, saying his legacy would continue to occupy a significant place in the country’s political history.