For a minute, cheers filled Nyayo stadium as former president Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta took to stage to address the mourners in attendance.
He struck a balance, of mourning and remembering their previous conversation with former prime minister Raila Odinga.
He brought memories of how they would sit together with Raila in the evening after work, discussing issues affecting the country at large while wondering what the co-founders of the country were talking about in the spiritual world.
“Fellow Kenyans, I have a short story to tell you,” He said amid cheers and laughter. “You know sometimes after work, we would have a rest (with Raila) while taking tea or porridge and we would ask ourselves of our departed fore fathers and political leaders like Jomo Kenyatta, Oginga Odinga, Kwame Nkuruma and Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere what they talk of when they are together.”
“I would tell him that perhaps the old folks were watching over and laughing at us while discussing their own politics just the way we do here on earth.” he said while smiling.
“Now my brother Raila, you have gone ahead of me. I already know that you have started conversing with them and it not like I am in a hurry to come join you in the other world, but I still want to be around and let the almighty God grant us graces.” he said amidst laughter from the crowd
“However, when our day comes by you (Odinga) will be able to show us around. for now, I pray for you to God to rest your soul in eternal peace and know that what you had started we are going to accomplish and take care of your family.”
He reiterated that the passing of his friend left a silence that echoed across the country where there was a once voice of thunder and conviction.
“Raila and I were navigators on opposing currents, charting different courses for the nation we both loved.”
He confessed that they at some point became antagonists in the political arena. ” The competition was tough, but from it came respect and shared patriotism”
Uhuru Confirmed that Odinga loved Kenya more than anything else since he was not tribal and always championed for peace unity and justice.
“As we bid him farewell, lets promise to ensure tat the democracy and freedom which Raila fought for will never go in vain. we will not allow this country to go backwards” he urged Kenyans.
Rest in peace my brother and God bless Kenya.
