MARTIN MAWAYA
The Pan-African Parliament (PAP) has joined the people of Kenya and the continent at large in mourning the death of Kenya’s former Prime Minister and veteran opposition leader, Raila Amolo Odinga, describing him as “a cherished leader and a transcendental force in African politics.”
In a condolence message issued by PAP President Chief Fortune Charumbira, the continental legislative body expressed profound sorrow over Odinga’s passing, saying his death was not only a loss to Kenya but to Africa as a whole.
“On behalf of the Bureau and the entire membership of the Pan-African Parliament, I extend our deepest condolences to the Odinga family, the Government and Parliament of Kenya, the Kenyan delegation to the Pan-African Parliament, and the people of Kenya following the untimely passing of Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga,” said Chief Charumbira in a statement in possession of The Midweek Watch.
He described the late Odinga as a fearless voice for the voiceless, a defender of democracy, and a relentless advocate for good governance and human rights values that resonate deeply with the ideals of the Pan-African Parliament.
“His unwavering commitment to democracy, good governance, and the advancement of human rights decimated barriers of inequity and ensured that the voices of the marginalized and disenfranchised were heard and respected,” said Chief Charumbira.
He added that throughout his illustrious political career, Odinga championed not only national causes but also continental integration and development.
His role as the African Union High Representative for Infrastructure Development was singled out as one of his greatest contributions toward promoting durable unity and connectivity among African nations.
“Rt. Hon. Odinga’s dedication to fostering durable integration and unity among African states stood as a beacon of hope for the realization of the African dream,” the PAP President noted.
Chief Charumbira urged Africans to draw inspiration from Odinga’s enduring legacy of courage, dialogue, and inclusivity.
“As we mourn this impactful life, we must draw consolation from the legacy he left behind. A legacy defined by his courage, tenacity, and unyielding belief in the power of dialogue and the transformative strength of African unity,” he said.
The PAP President called on Africans to honor Odinga’s memory through renewed commitment to the ideals he championed such as justice, democracy, and unity.
The late Odinga, who served as Kenya’s Prime Minister between 2008 and 2013, was widely regarded as one of Africa’s most resilient opposition figures and a key architect of Kenya’s modern political landscape.
