Mogadishu, Somalia – Somali opposition figure Abdirahman Abdishakur has paid a moving tribute to the late Raila Amolo Odinga, calling his death “a profound loss not only for Kenya but for all of Africa who believes in democracy and justice.”
In a heartfelt statement issued on Wednesday, the Wadajir Party leader and Member of the Somalia Federal Parliament reflected on Odinga’s towering influence across borders, describing him as “a titan whose unwavering struggle for freedom and principles defined an era.”
Abdishakur praised the former Kenyan prime minister not merely for his political victories but for his moral endurance throughout decades of detention, exile, and electoral contention.
“He taught us that leadership is not about power or position, but about service and sacrifice,” he said. “He stood firm when it was easiest to capitulate, and his immense influence was a testament to his central role in shaping Kenya’s trajectory.”
Odinga, long regarded as one of Africa’s most resilient opposition figures, inspired countless pro-democracy movements across the continent, particularly in nations battling authoritarian rule. Abdishakur said Odinga’s example had emboldened leaders in Somalia and beyond to challenge injustice through peaceful resistance and constitutional reform.
“While history will rightly honor his sacrifices,” Abdishakur added, “his true enduring legacy is the democratic hope he instilled in millions across our continent.”
The Somali lawmaker extended his condolences to Odinga’s family, supporters, and the people of Kenya, saying Africa had lost a statesman whose voice carried the aspirations of generations.
As tributes continue to pour in from across the globe, Odinga’s passing has underscored the reach of his influence—transcending ethnic lines, national borders, and political rivalries. For many, he was not just a Kenyan leader, but a continental symbol of defiance in the face of oppression.
Abdishakur’s statement captures that sentiment with clarity: Raila Odinga may be gone, but the struggle he embodied lives on in those he inspired.