Winnie Odinga, the lastborn daughter of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, delivered a heartfelt tribute during the State Funeral Service of her father at Nyayo National Stadium on Friday, October 17.

Winnie eulogised a man he not only called a father, but her superhero, reminiscing how lucky she was the luckiest girl in the world by mere virtue of being her daughter.

According to Winnie, Raila had undeniable love for his grandchildren, and always advocated for family principles and mutual respect.

“Dad loved his grandchildren… he loved them with all his heart. Even in the busiest moments of national duty, he would send me to come and check on all of you,” Winnie eulogised. “I now know it was to remind us to stay grounded, for me to teach you how to dream boldly, and to always stand firm for what is right.”

Winnie was probably the only child Raila was with while receiving treatment in India before his sudden demise.

While narrating to the thousands of mourners at the national stadium, Winnie reminded Kenyans to be proud of Raila Odinga, and celebrate his life.

Raila’s last moments

“Today as we celebrate his life, I chose to remember not only the leader the world knew, but the father I loved with every fibre of my being. The biggest part in me died on 15th October 2025, but the spirit of the lion roars on forever.”

Winnie says that she was with his father, Raila, in India when he took his last breath. “He died in my arms. But he did not die like people have been saying on social media.”

According to Winnie, Raila would wake up everyday in the morning and take a walk. On day one, she says, Raila walked one round, and he will push an extra round every morning. However, on the fateful morning of October 15, 2025, perhaps Raila pushed beyond limit.

“And everyday he would do one round, the next day he would push two rounds. That morning he pushed to five rounds. He died strong, with dignity and with pride, and you must be proud of that.

“You all must also walk with your heads held high and walk strong and proud that he left as a gentleman. As a family, we want to thank all of you…from Turkana to Lamu, from Isiolo, Mandera to the shores of Lake Victoria, ahsanteni sana. The king is dead, but long live the crown.”