Stanbic Bank
Stanbic Bank
22.8 C
Kampala
Stanbic Bank
Stanbic Bank
Home Blog Page 48

Museveni pays tribute to Raila Odinga as a true Pan Africanist

President Museveni with late Raila Odinga in a past engagement.

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has paid tribute to the late Raila Amolo Odinga, the former Prime Minister of Kenya, following news of his passing away. Museveni hailed Odinga as a freedom fighter, a patriot, and a powerful advocate for Pan-Africanism.

In a condolence message issued on Tuesday, President Museveni expressed his sorrow at the death of the veteran Kenyan politician, describing it as a significant loss to the region. He acknowledged Odinga’s decades of political service and his dedication to African unity.

Museveni noted that Raila Odinga had followed in the footsteps of his father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, Kenya’s first Vice President and a prominent figure in the country’s post-independence history. He said both father and son were known for their patriotic and Pan-Africanist values.

“Ideologically speaking, they have been with the patriotic and Pan-Africanist orientation. I have shared ideas with both of them,” Museveni stated, adding that their focus was always on the unity of Kenya, East Africa, and the continent at large.
Museveni emphasized Raila’s consistent support for the vision of an East African Federation and the broader push for African integration. He said Odinga’s voice had long stood for regional solidarity and progress.

The Ugandan president also used the opportunity to encourage Africa’s youth to continue the work of leaders like Odinga who championed unity, freedom, and self-determination. He said their contributions must not be forgotten but rather built upon.

“It is unfortunate that he has left at this moment. It is important for the young people to fill the void left by such historical fighters for Africa’s future,” Museveni added.

He extended heartfelt condolences to Kenyan President William Ruto, the citizens of Kenya, and the family of Raila Odinga. He called on the region to reflect on the legacy left behind by the late opposition leader.

As preparations continue for Odinga’s return and state honors, tributes from across the region and political spectrum continue to pour in, underlining his influence as a leader who transcended national borders in his pursuit of African unity.

Stories Continues after ad

ASP Nsiima granted bail

ASP Clive Nsiima.

The Kampala City Hall Court has granted a cash bail disgraced Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), Clive Nsiima in the assault on Shell Kyanja supermarket attendant Ms Pellan Atuhumuriize case after spending two days on remand at Luzira Prison.

Nsiima was captured in a viral video slapping Atuhumuriize at Shell Kyanja, after she reminded him to pay Shs30,000 for beer and a packet of rough rider condoms he had purchased from the supermarket.

Grade One Magistrate Nicholas Aisu granted Nsiima a cash bail of Shs1 million, while his three sureties were each bonded at Shs5 million to ensure his return to court for trial.

In his ruling, his worship Aisu noted that the accused had substantial sureties, was not facing any other charges, and had no history of skipping bail

“The accused still enjoys the right to the presumption of innocence as he has not pleaded guilty. He has presented substantial sureties, and there is no record showing he has ever jumped bail or has other pending charges,” Magistrate Aisu ruled.

The court further noted that despite the public outrage triggered by the viral video, the law presumes every accused person innocent until proven guilty.

Nsiima also faces dismissal from the Uganda Police Force after the force’s court recommended his dismissal following disciplinary and criminal proceedings against him over assaulting a female supermarket attendant Ms Pellan Atuhumuriize at Shell Kyanja.

Police spokesperson ACP Rusoke Kituuma has in a statement released on Monday noted that the force had arraigned Nsiima before it’s disciplinary court on two occasions and charged him with scandalous behavior.

“On 6th October 2025, a video circulated on social media showing ASP Nsiima Clive assaulting a female attendant at a Shell fuel station. Following this, ASP Nsiima was apprehended and detained in police custody”.

“He appeared in the police disciplinary court on Tuesday, 7 October 2025, and Friday October 10, 2025, where he was charged with behaving scandalously.

Stories Continues after ad

AIDS-related deaths drop by 64% — UAC reports

The Uganda AIDS Commission (UAC) has recorded a sharp fall in both AIDS-related deaths and new HIV infections.

Speaking during a sitting of the Parliamentary Committee on HIV/AIDS and related matters on Wednesday, 15 October 2025, Tom Etti, the Director for Partnership at UAC, presented the commission’s latest status report. He pointed to a 64 per cent reduction in annual AIDS deaths from 56,000 in 2010 to 20,000 in 2024 and a fall in new HIV infections from 96,000 to 37,000 over the same period.

“These are impressive gains that reflect Uganda’s resilience and the strong leadership behind the national response,” he said.

The report shows the country is close to the UNAIDS 95-95-95 cascade: 94 per cent of people living with HIV are aware of their status, 90 per cent are on antiretroviral therapy (ART), and 96 per cent of those on treatment are virally suppressed.

“Our 95-95-95 targets show we are close to epidemic control,” Etti told the committee, adding that more than 1.4 million Ugandans are now receiving ART.

The national successes formed the central, most positive message of the UAC submission that prevention and treatment efforts have substantially reduced deaths and new infections, and that viral suppression levels are high among those on treatment.

Etti stressed that these achievements provide a platform for accelerating the country towards the Presidential Fast-Track Initiative goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.

The report’s district-level data shows the epidemic remains geographically uneven, with the largest absolute burdens concentrated in central and peri-urban districts.

Wakiso District had the largest number of people living with HIV (PLHIV), 180,300, and the highest number of estimated new infections in the year to December 2024 (3,950). It was followed by Kampala District with 73,600 people living with HIV and 1,840 new infections.

Buikwe District, meanwhile, had 30,100 PLHIV and 600 new infections. Mukono District shows 26,800 PLHIV and 570 new infections, while Luwero District has 25,000 PLHIV and 560 new infections, and Mubende District 24,000 PLHIV and 540 new infections.

The Commission’s district breakdown also highlights districts with particularly high prevalence percentages. Urban centres and some district cities stand out: Fort Portal City recorded an adult prevalence of 14 per cent, while Kyotera recorded 13 per cent, and Kalangala District and Soroti City each appear to have around 12 per cent, underscoring persistent localised transmission risks.

The committee pressed the committee on their plans to resolve the gaps presented.

Hon. Sarah Kayagi, the committee chairperson asked why over 4,700 children were still being born with HIV despite prevention efforts.

“We appreciate the progress, but it is deeply worrying that thousands of children are still being infected at birth. We need to understand what is failing in the mother-to-child prevention chain,” she said.

Kayagi, also the District Woman Representative, Namisindwa, raised concern over the number of girls getting infected.

“We have seen that from last year we have seen 37,000 new infections and out of this, 21,000 of these are young girls and 11,000 are boys, the number of young girls getting infected is twice the number of boys, this is an area of concern,” she added.

Etti acknowledged the concern. He said the country’s maternal HIV response had improved but that mother-to-child transmission remains an area requiring intensified attention, particularly in regions where access to antenatal care and timely initiation of ART for pregnant mothers is uneven.

The presentation’s national fact sheet confirms an estimated 4,700 new infections among children (0–14) in the year to December 2024.

The UAC outlined an HIV Sustainability Roadmap aimed at reducing donor dependence and increasing domestic financing. The roadmap proposes that by 2027, at least 60 per cent of non-commodity HIV costs should be financed domestically, and by 2030, at least 80 per cent of recurrent HIV costs should be met from domestic sources, including through a functioning National Health Insurance Scheme and innovative instruments such as health bonds and debt-to-health swaps.

“We are confident that by strengthening partnerships, investing in prevention, and integrating HIV into all development programmes, Uganda can end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030,” Etti told the committee.

Michael Kakembo (NUP, Entebbe Municipality) stated during the committee meeting that sensitisation of the population has highly reduced, with condom use dropping further.

“Shower them with information of how HIV is still dangerous and still spreads highly, because so many things have changed, maybe now we can invade bars,” he said and called for more funding for the Uganda AIDS Commission.

Denis Oneka Lit (FDC, Kitgum Municipality) hailed the Commission for several steps and successes registered in the fight against HIV, but wondered how more men can be helped, as the statistics show that their numbers are high.

Stories Continues after ad

Col. Nakalema, Japanese envoy strengthen bilateral ties to boost investment in Uganda

Col Nakalema and the Envoy.

The Head of the State House Investors Protection Unit (SHIPU), Col. Edith Nakalema on Thursday met with Japan’s Ambassador to Uganda, Sasayama Takuya, and lauded Japan’s longstanding support towards Uganda’s economic growth, particularly in the infrastructure sector.

Ambassador Takuya was accompanied by First Secretary Hiroyuki Hayashi and Kan Yamamoto, the General Manager of Sumitomo Corporation, during a courtesy visit to SHIPU offices in Kampala.

Welcoming the delegation, Col. Nakalema emphasized President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s appreciation of Japan’s contribution to Uganda’s development and investment landscape.

“It is our honour to have you visit us this afternoon, and we are grateful that you are open to discussing how we can make Uganda even friendlier to Japanese investors,” Nakalema said.

She explained that SHIPU was established by President Museveni in May 2023 to accelerate government service delivery to investors and resolve bottlenecks that impede investment processes.

Nakalema praised Japan’s contribution to Uganda’s infrastructure, particularly the construction of the iconic Nile Bridge in Jinja.

“We thank the Government of Japan for the support towards the construction of the spectacular and modern bridge across the Nile in Jinja. In terms of business, I’m aware that in 2024, Uganda imported about USD 449.15 million worth of goods from Japan — a clear indication of the strong economic relations between our two nations,” she said.

She added that Uganda is committed to deepening economic ties with Japan through initiatives such as the Uganda National Day in Japan and participation in the World Expo 2025 in Osaka.

Nakalema also briefed the delegation on the Electronic Investors Protection Portal (EIPP), an innovation by SHIPU designed to enhance transparency and efficiency in investment facilitation. The portal enables investors to access authentic information, make inquiries, verify documents, and receive timely feedback — reducing the risk of fraud and bureaucratic frustration.

“Meeting with the ambassador is instrumental in strengthening SHIPU’s coordination role across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to ensure that investors’ concerns are addressed without delay,” Nakalema said.

Ambassador Takuya commended Uganda’s commitment to investor protection and expressed his appreciation for the strong bilateral ties between the two countries.

“This year is very significant for Japan and Uganda’s relationship,” he said, citing recent visits by Uganda’s Vice President and Prime Minister to Japan.

He added, “I have also visited the SHIPU to introduce more investors who can invest in Uganda.”

He pledged to promote awareness of SHIPU’s Electronic Investors Protection Portal among Japanese companies and to encourage more Japanese investors to explore opportunities in Uganda.

“The portal is very useful, and I will share this information with our business community,” Takuya said.

Stories Continues after ad

Odinga’s body secured in India, set to land in Nairobi this morning

Kenyan team in India after securing former Prime Minister Raila Odinga's body.

The body of the late Raila Odinga has been secured in India and is set to arrive in Kenya on Thursday morning, according to a statement issued by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi. The Kenyan delegation, led by Mudavadi, arrived in India to oversee the final repatriation arrangements.

Speaking on-site, Mudavadi announced that all necessary protocols had been completed to facilitate the return of Odinga’s remains. He described the moment as a solemn but dignified step in honouring a man he called “a great son of Kenya.”

The aircraft transporting Odinga’s body is expected to touch down at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) at 9:30 am on Thursday. President William Ruto is scheduled to receive the body upon arrival, along with other top government officials and members of Odinga’s family.

The Kenyan flag-draped casket was surrounded by dignitaries and officials at the airport in India, capturing the emotional atmosphere as the country begins formal mourning for one of its most influential political figures.
Odinga, a long-serving opposition leader and former Prime Minister, had travelled to India for a private visit when he passed away. His death has sparked an outpouring of condolences from across the political divide and the East African region.

Government officials confirmed that a detailed funeral program will be released in the coming days. The state is expected to give him full honours in recognition of his decades-long service to the nation and his pivotal role in shaping Kenya’s democratic journey.

In Nairobi, security and logistics teams are preparing for a large-scale public reception and mourning period. Citizens are expected to gather in large numbers at designated areas to pay their respects.

Religious and community leaders have also joined in the preparations, calling on the nation to come together in unity during this moment of collective grief. They urged Kenyans to honour Odinga’s memory by upholding peace and the values he stood for.

As the body returns home, Kenya prepares to bid farewell to one of its most iconic and influential public servants — a man whose life was marked by resilience, political courage, and unwavering commitment to democratic ideals.

Stories Continues after ad

UNBS Executive Director Kasigwa sent on forced leave over misconduct probe

Suspended Uganda National Bureau of Standards Executive Director, Eng. James Kasigwa.

The Executive Director of the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS), Eng. James Kasigwa has been directed to take annual leave effective October 15, 2025, to allow investigations into allegations of misconduct, corruption, and mismanagement.

The directive was issued by the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives in a letter dated October 7, 2025, and signed by the Permanent Secretary. The letter was received at the UNBS headquarters on October 13, 2025.

“I write with reference to the task which I recently assigned to the National Standards Council, in which I directed the Council to assess the validity, authenticity, and significance of the various allegations leveled against you,” reads part of the letter.

The Ministry explained that sending Kasigwa on 30 working days of annual leave will enable the National Standards Council to freely conduct inquiries, hearings, and interviews with key witnesses and staff.

To ensure continuity in leadership, Kasigwa has been instructed to hand over to Ms. Patricia Bageine Ejalu, the Deputy Executive Director for Standards, who will serve as Acting Executive Director during his absence.

“The said Patricia Bageine Ejalu will serve as the Acting Executive Director of UNBS until your return, at the end of your leave,”the letter further states.

The handover process, scheduled for October 14, 2025, was witnessed by the Chairperson of the National Standards Council, Eng. James Kalibbala.

The Ministry emphasized that the decision reflects its commitment to accountability and transparency in managing public institutions, particularly one as critical as UNBS, which safeguards product quality and consumer protection. There were also reports of influence peddling in the acquisition of land in Mbale and other areas where the agency wanted to construct regional office.

Stories Continues after ad

Buganda mourns Raila Odinga, says his family relationship with kingdom dates back to Mutesa era

Kabaka of Buganda, Ronald Muwenda Mutebi, with late Raila Odinga at his Nairobi office

The Katikiiro of Buganda Kingdom (Premier), Mr Charles Peter Mayiga, has joined both local and international leaders to mourn the sudden death of former Kenyan Prime Minister and veteran politician Raila Odinga.

Mr Mayiga said the kingdom has enjoyed longstanding ties with the Odinga family, describing their relationship as “long and close,” dating back to the era of Ssekabaka Edward Mutesa II. In a message shared on his official X (formerly Twitter) account just a few moments after Odinga was pronounced dead, Mr Mayiga expressed profound sadness over Odinga’s passing, acknowledging the late leader’s

contributions to the political landscape and constitutional development. “I express my condolences to members of his family, friends, Kenyans, and all East Africans. May the Lord receive his soul,” he wrote. Mr Mayiga also recognized Odinga’s achievements beyond politics, noting his influence as a businessman and his broad impact on East Africa’s socio-economic and political spheres.

In 2013, Odinga was invited to attend Kabaka’s Coronation Anniversary in Mengo Palace, commonly known as Lubiri, where he was a special guest and President Museveni was the chief guest. Raila Odinga, aged 80, passed away on the morning of October 15, 2025, from cardiac arrest while undergoing treatment at an Ayurvedic hospital in Kochi, Kerala, India.

The situation worsened during a morning walk on the hospital campus, and despite efforts to resuscitate him, he was pronounced dead shortly after 9 am local time.

Stories Continues after ad

Museveni to NRM losers: Don’t stand as independents

President Yoweri Museveni.

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has cautioned National Resistance Movement (NRM) Members of Parliament who lost in the party primaries against contesting as independents in the forthcoming elections, warning that such moves could divide the ruling party and give the opposition an advantage.

Speaking during a meeting with NRM MPs and independent legislators who signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the NRM at State Lodge Arua, President Museveni said internal disagreements should never override the broader goal of unity and progress within the party.

“In this case, if you are annoyed and stand as an independent, and then the other flag bearer is there, what if you now divide the vote and the opposition takes the constituency? How will you forgive yourself?” Museveni asked.

Accompanied by First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Museveni, the President acknowledged complaints from some MPs who claimed they were cheated during the primaries but advised them to seek legal redress instead of running as independents.

“If it was an electoral offense, why don’t you get me the facts? If they altered the results, then we can act criminally against those involved and they can end up in prison. There’s a legal way to go about it and crime has no time limit,” he said.

Museveni reminded the aggrieved MPs that divisions had previously cost the NRM several parliamentary seats, especially in Buganda, where over 21 constituencies were lost due to split votes between party flag bearers and independents.

“So this is where you need to be very careful. You should ask yourself, should I be involved in dividing the NRM? For me, I wouldn’t do that,” he said.

He further urged those contesting to remain disciplined and loyal to the Movement’s cause.

“Where there are NRM and opposition candidates, I wouldn’t advise you to come as an independent. Because if you do and things go wrong, you will be the one to blame. Even where there are only NRMs, I would prefer you use the law, so that you don’t confuse our people,” the President cautioned.

However, despite the President’s guidance, some NRM MPs who lost in the primaries have declared their intention to run as independents in the 2026 general elections.

According to Anthony Esenu, the Chairperson of the NRM MPs who lost in the primaries, Museveni met with the group on Monday, October 13, 2025, in Arua, where he offered conditional guidance on their next political steps.

“The President invited us to go and meet him as NRM independents who expressed the intention to run as independents, and he has given us the green light to stand. In his go-ahead, he has provided some guidance if you are in a constituency where there is a strong opposition candidate, he has advised that the independents sit with the flag bearers and resolve the issue of one of them standing,” Esenu told the media.

He added that in areas where the opposition is weak or absent, Museveni indicated he would not interfere.

“In his view, he would prefer to have the flag bearer continue. But where there is no strong opposition, he said he will just observe and let us sort ourselves, knowing that whoever wins will still be NRM,” Esenu explained.

Mbarara Woman MP Margaret Rwebyambu Ayebare defended the decision of some MPs to contest as independents, saying it was not an act of rebellion but a protest against irregularities during the primaries.

“But we are not contesting as independents because we are out of the party or hate it. We are only refuting the irregularities that came out of the primaries,” Rwebyambu said.

“People should know that we are contesting against the results, not against the party. And for that reason, I want to thank His Excellency for looking at us as his own children of the NRM,” she added.

Meanwhile, Museveni advised politicians to avoid joining politics when financially unstable, warning that it often leads to debt and poor performance in leadership.

“You shouldn’t join politics when you are poor. If you have like Shs400 million, inject at least 40 percent of it in politics, not all. Build yourself economically, take a soft loan, and when you are stable, come back to serve the country effectively,” the President said.

He added that leaders must prioritize stability and financial discipline to ensure a stronger political foundation for Uganda.

“You shouldn’t go into debt because of politics. That way, we can build a very stable leadership in this country,” he said.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, Ministers, and NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC) members.

Museveni further called for unity and discipline among NRM members and emphasized that loyalty to the Movement remains essential for continued political stability and national development.

Stories Continues after ad

Museveni urges NAM states to champion industrialization and mutual growth at Speke Resort Munyonyo

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has called on member states of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) to unite around shared prosperity, industrialization and value addition and warned that the world is once again being intoxicated with wrong ideas.,

Delivering the keynote address during the 19th NAM Ministerial Meeting of the Coordinating Bureau at Speke Resort Munyonyo, President Museveni emphasized that understanding the balance between production and consumption is crucial for global economic stability.

“When China, India, and other Asian countries modernized, the price of steel rose from 200 to 900 dollars per ton. Why should you worry that another country is out of poverty? Why would you want to do business with a poor man? Business is both production and consumption,” Museveni remarked.

Held under the theme “For Global Solidarity and Sustainable Development,” the meeting brought together representatives from over 120 member states and observers to discuss how NAM can promote peace, cooperation, and equitable growth amid rising global tensions.

Museveni noted that Africa’s GDP remains small compared to its population and potential, urging countries to accelerate industrialization and value addition to transform livelihoods.

“Our continent must move beyond being a source of raw materials. Industrialization is not a choice; it is a necessity if we are to raise incomes and ensure global economic stability,” he said.

The Ugandan leader cautioned against new forms of ideological domination, calling on NAM countries to focus on “minimum common interests” such as trade, investment, tourism, and mutual support, while upholding each nation’s sovereignty and right to choose its own political system.

Museveni traced human progress to two struggles: the oppression of man by nature and the oppression of man by man, noting that science and technology have always been the key drivers of human advancement.

“The human race has been here for four and a half million years. Most of that time, people lived only in Africa. So I like to joke that all of you here are former Africans,” he added, drawing laughter from delegates.

He hailed the founding fathers of the NAM including Jawaharlal Nehru of India, Gamal Abdel Nasser of Egypt, Josip Broz Tito of Yugoslavia, and Sukarno of Indonesia — for steering neutrality during the Cold War, saying their vision is even more vital today as the world faces renewed geopolitical divisions.

“Our elders did us a great service. Now it is even more important because there’s a lot of intoxication with wrong ideas in the world,” he observed.

On international peace, President Museveni reaffirmed NAM’s commitment to the peaceful settlement of the question of Palestine, urging for the implementation of the Two-State Solution. He reiterated that during Uganda’s chairmanship, NAM has consistently advocated for the recognition of the State of Palestine and its admission as a full member of the United Nations.

“The Two-State Solution remains the only legitimate path to ending this long-protracted conflict,” Museveni said.

On the sidelines of the meeting, Uganda and Azerbaijan signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on visa waivers for Diplomatic and Service/Official Passport holders, aimed at easing the movement of officials between the two countries.

The MoU was signed by Hon. David Muhoozi, Minister of State for Internal Affairs of Uganda, and Hon. Samir Sharifov, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan, witnessed by Hon. Henry Okello Oryem, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.

This follows earlier agreements on Political Consultations between Uganda’s Embassy in Tehran (accredited to Azerbaijan) and Azerbaijani authorities, designed to deepen and strengthen bilateral cooperation.

President Museveni concluded by describing himself as “a third-generation anti-colonial fighter from Africa,” urging the global south to remain united in pursuit of development and self-determination.

“If you think you are right, do good things in your own country and we shall see it but not through coercion. Each country should choose its own social system,” he said.

The 19th NAM Ministerial Meeting is a key platform for reviewing progress since the Kampala Summit of January 2024 where Uganda assumed the Chairmanship of NAM (2024–2027) reaffirming its leadership role in promoting dialogue, peace and South-South cooperation.

Stories Continues after ad

Speaker Among, Bobi Wine, Tayebwa mourn Kenya’s Raila Odinga

RIP: RIP Odinga.

Regional leaders and politicians have joined Kenyans in mourning the death of Raila Amolo Odinga the former Prime Minister of Kenya and leader of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) who has passed away after a long and storied political career.

Odinga, fondly known as Baba or Jakom was one of Kenya’s most prominent opposition figures and a tireless advocate for democracy and good governance. His political journey spanned over four decades, marked by both triumphs and trials from imprisonment during the Moi era to serving as Prime Minister in Kenya’s Grand Coalition Government between 2008 and 2013.

Born in 1945 to Kenya’s first Vice President, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, Raila carried forward his father’s political legacy, becoming a key voice for reform, national unity, and Pan-Africanism. Over the years, he earned respect not only in Kenya but across the continent for his resilience and commitment to peaceful political change.

Following news of his death, several Ugandan leaders expressed deep sorrow and paid tribute to the fallen statesman.

Speaker of Parliament Anita Annet Among said Odinga’s influence went far beyond Kenya, describing him as an inspiration for the African continent.

“We stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Kenya as we mourn the loss of a leader whose influence reached far beyond the country’s borders, inspiring the entire African continent. His passion for a united Kenya and his commitment to dialogue during times of political disagreement set a precedent for conflict resolution in the nation’s best interest,” Among said.

She added, “We extend our heartfelt condolences to Mama Idah, the Jaramogi family, and the people of Kenya during this difficult time. May Jakom’s soul find eternal rest.”

National Unity Platform (NUP) principal Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, also known as Bobi Wine, described Odinga as a towering symbol of freedom and democracy.

“We have received the news of the passing of Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga with great sadness. He stood tall for freedom, liberty, and dignity,” Bobi Wine said.

He added, “In him, we have lost a great statesman, an African giant who did his best for humanity amidst great adversity. Deepest condolences to the great people of Kenya and all pro-democracy forces around the world. May his soul rest in peace.”

Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa also mourned Odinga, describing him as a distinguished statesman and bridge-builder whose efforts transcended borders.

“I am saddened to learn of the demise of Raila Odinga, a distinguished statesman in our region. He was selfless in advancing the interests of Kenyans and the region at large; promoting peace, development, and good diplomatic relations,” Tayebwa said.

He added, “There are several instances when Raila quietly stepped in to help Uganda and Kenya maintain good relations. He has done that for many other countries.”

He further reflected on Odinga’s legacy, saying, “From his life dedicated to politics, we learn that there are moments when one must put the interests of their country first, something he did many times throughout his political career. I extend my sincere condolences to Raila’s family, friends, and the people of Kenya. May God strengthen you during this difficult time. Rest in peace, Baba.”

Stories Continues after ad