Bishop David Kodia of the Anglican Church has revealed that the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s baptism was not without controversy.
Speaking during a memorial service, the bishop recounted how Raila’s father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, insisted on retaining his son’s traditional name during baptism, a decision that initially clashed with church expectations.
“Raila was fully baptized in the Anglican Church, and we are therefore giving him a full Christian burial,” said Bishop Kodia.
“His baptism was controversial because the presiding bishop at the time initially refused to proceed when Jaramogi insisted on the name ‘Raila Odinga’ instead of choosing a Christian name. But eventually, he was baptized as Raila Odinga. He is, without a doubt, a member of the Anglican Church, and I want the world to know that.”
The bishop also noted that it took Raila considerable time before he was fully confirmed in the Anglican faith. He added that Raila’s last visit to St. Peter’s Church in Nyamira was particularly significant—it marked the first time he partook in Holy Communion.
“He was an active member of the St. Peter’s Church parish in Nyamira,” Bishop Kodia said. “The church feels an immense loss due to his passing. The presence of the Odinga family has always been deeply felt in our congregation, and that absence will be sorely missed.”
Describing Raila’s death as a profound loss not only for the diocese but for the entire nation, Bishop Kodia said, “We feel that this is one of the greatest tragedies to befall us as a church and as a country.”
He encouraged mourners to find hope amid sorrow, urging them to reflect on the spiritual meaning of the day.
“I ask all of us to be hopeful and to deeply reflect on the message God may be communicating through this moment. Let us look within ourselves and ask how we can mirror God’s message in our lives,” he said.
Raila Odinga passed away on Wednesday, October 15, while undergoing treatment in Kochi, India.
He was mourned as a statesman and a symbol of resilience who shaped Kenya’s political landscape for decades.