Athletics Kenya has joined the nation to bid farewell to former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga, describing him as not only a political colossus, but equally a sportsman throughout his life whose influence extended far beyond politics.
Odinga died on Wednesday morning while undergoing treatment in India, following a brief illness. His death has brought with it an intense feeling of loss across the country, and not only in the political scene but the sports world where he was an icon held in high esteem.
In an eulogy, Athletics Kenya remembered Odinga as “a towering statesman whose deep love of sports contributed towards making Kenya a continental power.”
Sport was something he enjoyed, not symbolically, but personally, lived and truly,” the federation claimed. “He was alongside our athletes, celebrated their victories, and hoped for their capacity to inspire and unite the nation.”.
Odinga was best known in the sporting world as the long-time sponsor of Gor Mahia Football Club, a role that he took on with great dedication and frequency.
At home games as well as big national games, he could be seen as a regular figure in the stands cheering for the Harambee Stars, never hesitant to show his unstinting support.
But his love of sport extended beyond football. During the 2018 Inter-County Games at Gusii Stadium, Raila looked back fondly on his own sporting days as an athlete racing the 400-metre hurdles and the triple jump and had the public in stitches and nostalgia. It reminded the public that for him, sport was not politics or PR it was who he was.
As Prime Minister, Odinga had ambitious plans for Kenyan sports. He once suggested that Kenya make a bid to host the 2024 Olympics a goal that was both ambitious and bold and that reflected his belief that Kenya deserved a place on the world stage.
His vision for sport extended far beyond the pitch or the track,” Athletics Kenya said. “He recognized its power to unite us, to heal us, and to drive us as a country. While his political journey shaped Kenya’s democratic space, his legacy in sport added to our national pride.”.
The federation extended its condolences to the Odinga family, his friends, and to the millions of Kenyans who were motivated by his life.
“His legacy in sport such as in politics will not be forgotten,” the statement said. “May his soul rest in eternal peace.”.
