Uganda’s President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has joined Kenyans and the rest of Africa in mourning the death of former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga, describing him as “a freedom fighter in the tradition of his father” and “a true Pan-Africanist whose vision extended beyond Kenya’s borders.”
In a statement released from State House on Wednesday, President Museveni said he received the news of Odinga’s passing with a lot of sadness noting that the veteran politician was not merely a career leader but a revolutionary voice for unity and self-determination in Africa.
“Rt. Hon. Odinga has not been just a career politician. He has been a freedom fighter, in the tradition of his late father, Jaramogi Odinga, the first Vice President of Kenya,” Museveni said. “Ideologically speaking, they have been with the patriotic and Pan-Africanist orientation. I have shared ideas with both of them. Their sentiments have been for the unity of Kenya, East Africa, and Africa, including supporting our dream for the East African Federation.”
The President said Odinga’s death is a blow to the cause of African integration and urged young people to emulate his spirit of courage, forgiveness, and vision for a united continent.
“It is unfortunate that he has left at this moment. It is important for the young people to fill the void left by such historical fighters for Africa’s future,” Museveni added, extending condolences to President William Ruto, the Kenyan people and Odinga’s family.
Museveni’s relationship with the Odinga family dates back to the early years of his political activism, when both he and Raila’s father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, shared platforms advocating for African liberation and unity.
As Museveni led Uganda’s post-liberation transformation, Raila became Kenya’s symbol of democratic struggle often maintaining cordial relations with Kampala even when political winds shifted at home. The two leaders shared Pan-African ideals, particularly on the question of East African integration and regional stability.
Raila frequently attended regional summits in Kampala and was instrumental in pushing for infrastructure and trade initiatives linking the two nations, including the East African crude oil pipeline discussions and joint border development projects.
To join President Museveni in mourning was Minister of State for Investment, Evelyn Anite who recalled her personal encounter with Odinga, describing him as a forgiving and visionary leader who put the unity of East Africa above politics.
“It’s painful that we lost an iconic leader like Raila Odinga. I met him once, through our President, in Rwakitura. Even with divergent views, he sat with President Uhuru Kenyatta to discuss East African integration. I saw in him a leader who cared not just for Kenya, but for all Africans,” Anite said.
Government Chief Whip Hamson Obua hailed Odinga as an encyclopedia of Kenyan politics and a Pan-Africanist whose lessons transcend borders.
“There is a lot for us, especially the Ugandan opposition, to learn from the late Raila Odinga,” Obua said. “He showed that when you contest against someone, it doesn’t make you enemies. He worked with his opponents for the common good of Kenya. That is the spirit we must emulate.”
Across the region, tributes have poured in for the man fondly called “Baba” a figure who symbolized democratic resilience and the dream of African unity.
For President Museveni and many in Uganda, Raila Odinga was more than a political neighbor; he was a friend, a fellow Pan-Africanist and a partner in the long walk toward continental integration.
“May his soul rest in eternal peace,” Museveni concluded.
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