Nairobi, Kenya – Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud joined thousands of mourners at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi today for the state funeral of former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga, one of East Africa’s most influential political figures.
Arriving alongside regional leaders and dignitaries, President Mohamud paid tribute to Odinga’s lifelong fight for democracy, justice, and regional cooperation. He praised Odinga as “a champion of the oppressed and a bridge-builder beyond borders,” noting that his legacy extended far beyond Kenya’s frontiers.
The atmosphere inside the stadium was solemn yet deeply emotional. From dignitaries in crisp suits to ordinary citizens draped in Kenyan flags, the crowd reflected the cross-generational and cross-national impact of Odinga’s decades-long political career. Chants of “Baba!” — Odinga’s popular nickname — occasionally broke through the silence, especially as his casket, draped in the Kenyan flag, was escorted by military guards.
President Mohamud was seen consoling members of the Odinga family and briefly exchanging words with Kenyan President William Ruto and former President Uhuru Kenyatta. His presence underscored the strong historical ties between Somalia and Kenya — bonds forged not only through diplomacy but also by shared struggles for stability and democratic governance.
In his address, Mohamud called Odinga “a symbol of resilience,” recalling how Somalia itself had drawn inspiration from Kenya’s democratic journey. He emphasized that Raila’s legacy would continue to shape the political landscape of the Horn of Africa, reminding leaders of their responsibility to uphold justice and unity.
As hymns and traditional songs echoed across the packed stadium, the ceremony served not just as a farewell to a political titan, but as a powerful moment of regional solidarity. For Somalia’s leader, it was a moment to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Kenyans in grief — and in gratitude for a life that helped define a generation.