'He died in my arms': Winnie Odinga recounts her father Raila Odinga's last moments in India

Speaking during her father's State funeral service at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi, Winnie gave an emotional and deeply personal tribute, recounting his final moments in India and reflecting on the values he instilled in his family and the nation.

“I was with him in India when he took his last breath. He died in my arms, but he did not die as people have been saying on social media,” Winnie said. “Every day he was waking up and walking one round, then two rounds the next day. That morning, he pushed to five rounds. He died strong and with dignity and pride, and you must be proud of that.”

She went on to urge Kenyans to also walk with strength and pride, stating, "You all must also walk with your heads held high, and walk strong and proud that he left as a gentleman."

She described the former premier not only as a national icon but also as a devoted father and a source of strength for his family

“I don’t know who I’ll miss more... my dad or my superhero. I am the luckiest girl in the world because you were my dad,” she said, adding that her siblings Fidel, Rosemary, and Junior shared in that privilege.

Winnie reminisced about their home life, describing it as “the vitendawili testing ground,” where her father constantly challenged them with trivia and puzzles.

“To the world, you were known by many names, but to me, you were simply Dad, a man whose presence froze rooms around the world,” she said.

She told mourners that even in his final instructions, Raila’s sharp wit and meticulous planning shone through.

"When I learnt that you willed to be buried in 72 hours, I laughed, “Good old Dad! Testing and planning for us beyond the grave!” I can see you now, laughing in your heaving manner; knowing that your wish will be done," she recalled, drawing laughter from the crowd.

Winnie paid tribute to her father’s lifelong service to Kenya, saying he taught her and millions of Kenyans that “love for country is not just in words, but in sacrifice; that justice must be pursued even when the path is lonely; and that true leadership is service not power.”

"Millions of you are in despair, but take heart, because he left a plan for you too. He led all of us, he taught us, he carried us, we know what he expects from all of us and we shall rise together in his honour," she said.

Winnie remembered her father as a man of grace and resilience, one who fell and rose again, always with forgiveness and hope.

She concluded: “The biggest part of me died on October 15, 2025. But the spirit of the lion roars on forever. The King is dead, but long live the crown.”