How Raila's family is marking his 81st birthday

The family of the late Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga has marked what would have been his birthday with a public message of gratitude, thanking Kenyan leaders, foreign dignitaries and the public for standing with them following his death.

In a statement shared on X by Raila Odinga Jr on January 7, the Odinga family said the day, which coincides with Odinga’s birthday, was a moment of reflection and appreciation as they remembered the veteran statesman popularly known as Baba.

The family thanked President William Ruto, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and the entire government for the support and coordination extended to them during the mourning and burial period. 

They also acknowledged various funeral committees that helped facilitate what they described as a dignified send-off.

Special appreciation was extended to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government for assisting in the swift repatriation of Odinga’s body from India, where he died while undergoing treatment. 

The family also recognised former presidents Uhuru Kenyatta, Olusegun Obasanjo of Nigeria, Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana and Jakaya Kikwete of Tanzania, as well as African Development Bank President Akinwumi Adesina, for travelling to Kenya to pay their last respects.

The family said Kenyans’ messages of love and solidarity brought them comfort on a day that would ordinarily have been a celebration. 

They also thanked media houses for their extensive coverage of Odinga’s life and legacy, as well as the ODM party fraternity for remaining united during the period of mourning.

In the statement, the Odingas paid tribute to medical teams in both India and Kenya, including doctors at Devamatha Hospital in Kerala and Nairobi Hospital, for their care and dedication during Odinga’s final days.

Raila Odinga, one of Kenya’s most influential political figures, died earlier this month while receiving treatment in India. 

His birthday, traditionally marked by supporters and allies, has this year become a day of remembrance, reflection and gratitude.

Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga has penned a deeply emotional message in memory of his elder brother, the late Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga, marking what would have been his birthday.

In a heartfelt post shared on Tuesday, Oburu described the pain of coming to terms with Raila’s death, saying it still felt unreal to refer to him in the past tense. He recalled their close bond, likening their relationship to that of twins who grew up sharing life, laughter and an unspoken understanding.

“It has been incredibly difficult coming to terms with your loss,” Oburu wrote, adding that Raila was not only a brother but also his best friend.

The veteran legislator reflected on Raila Odinga’s contribution to Kenya, hailing him as a foremost statesman whose impact on the country would endure beyond his lifetime. 

He also spoke of the deep personal conversations they shared, underscoring the closeness that defined their relationship away from public life.

Despite the grief, Oburu said his brother remained alive in his heart, concluding the tribute with a message marking Raila Odinga’s birthday.

“Happy 80 + 1 heavenly birthday,” he wrote.

Raila Odinga, one of Kenya’s most influential political figures, died in October 2025 while receiving treatment in India. 

January 7, traditionally a day of celebration among his supporters, has this year been marked by tributes and reflection, as family members, allies and Kenyans remember his life, legacy and personal bonds.