Former President Uhuru Kenyatta captured hearts and laughter during the State Funeral of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga at Nyayo Stadium, delivering a witty yet deeply emotional eulogy that left mourners both amused and moved.

Kenyatta, speaking of his longtime political rival-turned-ally, shared lighthearted memories that offered a rare glimpse into their friendship beyond politics moments over casual drinks and laughter, where, he humorously revealed, Raila always insisted on picking up the bill.

“My brothers, I have a short story, not a lengthy one,” Kenyatta began with a grin. “Saa ingine tukiwa tumetulia kidogo hapo, tulikuwa tunapewa kakitu kidogo na Raila... Mimi kakitu kidogo nasema ni chai ama uji,” he joked, sending the mourners into laughter.

He recounted how those private meetings often turned reflective, as they discussed Kenya’s founding fathers and African liberation heroes Jomo Kenyatta, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, Kwame Nkrumah, and Julius Nyerere wondering what kind of conversations they might now be having in the afterlife.

“I’m very keen to know. My brother, you’ve gone before me, and I know you are already talking over there. Not that I’m in a hurry to join you, but when my time comes, I’m sure you’ll be there to show me around,” Kenyatta quipped, drawing both laughter and tears.

Behind the humor, however, was a strong message of respect and conviction. Kenyatta hailed Odinga as a cornerstone of Kenya’s democracy and urged the nation to uphold the ideals that Odinga dedicated his life to defending.

“Today, as we bid farewell to our father, Raila Odinga, I want us as Kenyans to swear that we won’t allow human rights, democracy, and all that Raila fought for to be eroded,” he declared passionately. Visibly emotional, Kenyatta praised Mama Ida Odinga for her unwavering strength and grace through decades beside one of Kenya’s most influential figures, pledging to stand with the Odinga family in their moment of grief. Odinga is survived by his wife Ida, and their children Rosemary, Raila Jr., and Winnie Odinga.

The national mourning period enters its third day tomorrow. Odinga’s body will arrive in Kisumu for public viewing before being transported by road to Bondo, Siaya County, where he will be laid to rest on Sunday, October 19, at Kang’o ka Jaramogi.

Uhuru Kenyatta Steals the Show with Witty and Emotional Tribute to Raila Odinga at State Funeral