RAILA SACRIFICED MORE THAN WHAT HE GOT FROM KENYA - SK MACHARIA

Kenya continues to mourn the death of former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga — a man many describe as the embodiment of courage, resilience, and selfless sacrifice. Most tributes have portrayed Raila as a trailblazer who gave more to Kenya than he ever received in return.

This follows over five decades of Raila Odinga standing at the forefront of Kenya’s struggle for democracy. He endured imprisonment, exile, political betrayal, and personal loss .

Royal Media Services Chairman Dr. S.K. Macharia captured this sentiment in an emotional statement, mourning Raila as “a brother, confidant, and one of Kenya’s greatest patriots," who fought but never lived to be compensated for his sacrifice.

“Words cannot describe what I feel today. I am utterly devastated. Raila Odinga was not just a brother and a friend; he was part of my life,” said Dr. Macharia. “From jail to exile and back to jail; then the streets where his eyes and body suffered damage — Raila Odinga has paid more than his share of sacrifice for Kenya.”

In a deeply personal reflection, Dr. Macharia seemingly referred to Raila as a President who was never given an opportunity to lead Kenya.

“My president, Raila Odinga, has left me completely shattered. When Jaramogi died, he left me to take care of Raila Odinga. I wish I didn’t live to see the day my longtime and best friend Raila Odinga exits the stage,” he mourned expressing utter devastation.

He added that Kenya owes some of its most significant democratic achievements to Raila’s steadfast commitment.

“We owe our new Constitution to Raila Odinga. We owe devolution to Raila Odinga. We owe the independence of our Judiciary to Raila Odinga,” he said.

Macharia concluded by calling Raila’s death “a personal and national tragedy,” noting that “the days ahead in Kenya will not, and will never, be the same without Raila Odinga.”

President William Ruto, while declaring seven days of national mourning, described Raila as “the father of our democracy” and “a once-in-a-generation leader whose vision and courage helped shape Kenya’s destiny.”

“His name will be etched in the story of our republic — a story of struggle, sacrifice, courage, rule of law, and hope,” President Ruto said in his national address from State House.

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta called Raila “a father to the nation and a true son of Kenya,” noting that “his death leaves a silence that echoes across our nation.”

Former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka, Raila’s longtime ally, described him as “the President who won but was never declared and sworn into office,” calling his passing “a continental loss.”

“I have lost a brother, Kenya has lost a patriot, and Africa has lost a democrat who stood tall among men,” Kalonzo said.

Retired Chief Justice David Maraga described him as “one of Kenya’s most formidable leaders who shaped the trajectory of our beloved country.”

Former Interior CS Fred Matiang’i said Raila’s life was “a living testament to courage, sacrifice, and an unyielding belief in the sovereignty and dignity of the Kenyan people.”

From across Africa and beyond, leaders joined Kenyans in mourning a man whose influence transcended borders.

African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf called Raila “a towering figure in Kenya’s political life and a steadfast champion of democracy and good governance.”

Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan described him as “a global African, a peace-loving and solution-seeking leader whose legacy will endure beyond Kenya.”

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said Raila would be remembered “as a patriot who championed the ideals of Pan-Africanism and democracy across the continent.”

From India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid homage to Raila as “a towering statesman and a cherished friend of India,” recalling their long-standing friendship and his deep appreciation for Indian culture.

Beyond the outpouring of tributes lies a painful truth that Kenyans must confront — that Raila Odinga gave his all for a nation that often gave him too little in return.

He fought for multi-party democracy when it was dangerous to do so. He spent years in detention during the Moi regime, and when freedom finally came, he poured his energy into constitutional reform, social justice, and devolution. Yet, despite five presidential runs, the highest office always eluded him.

To many, his story is not one of defeat, but of selfless endurance — a testament of one who transformed Kenya without occupying its highest seat.

Raila Odinga may be gone, but the Kenya he envisioned still calls out to those willing to continue his fight — a nation where justice prevails, and democracy truly belongs to the people. After all is said and done the fact remains that Ogwambo was a good man.