Kwaheri Baba: Bishop David Kodia urges leaders to shun politics of tokenism
Rt. Rev. Dr David Kodia, Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Bondo. Photo/PCS
The sombre hum of Abide with Me slowly faded into the warm Nairobi air as Rt. Rev. Dr David Kodia, Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Bondo, stepped forward to deliver the homily that anchored Raila Amolo Odinga’s state funeral at Nyayo National Stadium.
Known for his sharp intellect and moral courage, Rev. Kodia, an academic theologian and social critic, spoke with a calm authority that momentarily stilled the massive crowd.
His words cut through the spectacle with the clarity of truth.
“Raila Odinga did not use the power of the wallet, but the power of persuasion,” he said.
“He led by reason, not intimidation. His conviction was his currency.”
The bishop then warned against those seeking to profit from grief.
“Let us not use Raila’s death to loot, to divide, or to chase power. If you truly wish to honour him, fight corruption, reject greed, and defend truth. That was the Raila we knew.”
As his message echoed through the stadium, Mr Uhuru Kenyatta took to the podium — visibly moved, his voice trembling with affection and nostalgia.
He recalled his late-night conversations with Raila over a shared drink, moments when the political masks slipped away and humanity took over.
“We would sit, laugh, and talk about what our late fathers — Jaramogi and Mzee Jomo Kenyatta — might be discussing in heaven,” said Mr Kenyatta, his tone soft but assured. “Raila was a forgiving man. Even when wronged, he would choose peace.”
He described the 2018 Handshake as the truest measure of Raila’s statesmanship.
“That single act showed his greatness,” he said. “It healed a broken nation. Raila chose unity over pride, dialogue over division.”
The former President added that Raila’s family now belongs to the nation.
“His family is Kenya’s family,” Mr Kenyatta said. “We must stand with them and protect what he stood for.”
Then came President William Ruto — the man who had once stood opposite Raila on the political battlefield, now standing before his coffin as a mourner and admirer.
His tone was humble, his voice occasionally faltering.
“There was only one Raila Amolo Odinga,” he said. “He was always forgiving, even when he was the one wronged. His politics was about conviction, not convenience.”
In a moment that surprised many, the President reached for the microphone once more and softly sang a verse from Jamaica Farewell, the song by Harry Belafonte that Raila loved.
“Down the way where the nights are gay…” he began, his voice trembling as the crowd joined in, transforming the stadium into a chorus of grief and gratitude.
The tribute carried warmth and humility, a rare moment where music bridged political rivalry.
In the stands sat a constellation of African leaders--Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Ethiopian President Taye Atske Selassie, Tanzania’s Vice President Philip Mpango, South Sudan’s Vice President Rebecca Nyandeng de Mabior, and former Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete.
Their presence was a quiet nod to Raila’s influence beyond Kenya’s borders.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, who also chairs the National Funeral Steering Committee, read a long list of condolence messages from world leaders, among them the presidents of Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, South Africa, Djibouti, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Zambia, and Burundi.
Others were from presidents of Nigeria, Zimbabwe, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, as well as India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.
The African Union Commission Chairperson, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, hailed Raila as “a visionary statesman who dedicated his life to democracy and regional integration.”
UN Secretary-General António Guterres described him as “a lifelong advocate for freedom, justice, and good governance.”
Indian PM Modi, in his condolence message, called Raila “a dear friend of India and a bridge between our nations.”
As the speeches faded, Kenyans got the opportunity to view the body at the Nyayo Stadium.
The body was later taken to Lee Funeral Home instead at Raila's Karen home as had been planned. It will later be flown to Kisumu on Saturday, Prof Kindiki said.
