As Kenya and the African continent mourn the death of former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga, tributes continue to pour in from across the globe.
Among the most heartfelt is a message from former United States Ambassador to Kenya, Michael Ranneberger, who worked closely with Odinga during a pivotal era in the nation’s political history.
Speaking upon receiving the news of Raila Odinga’s passing, Ambassador Ranneberger expressed “profound sadness”, calling the late leader “a giant of Kenyan history” and “a friend whom I held in the highest esteem.”
“Raila worked tirelessly throughout his life for the advancement of his country, always toward greater freedom, starting with the push for multi-party democracy,” Ranneberger said.
Ranneberger served as the U.S. Ambassador to Kenya from 2006 to 2011 a period marked by political volatility, including the 2007-2008 post-election crisis that nearly pushed the country to the brink of civil conflict.
Recalling a critical moment during the crisis, the former ambassador shared a private yet historic exchange with Odinga:
“We met in the living room of my residence on a tense morning and talked about the final shape of the deal to achieve a national unity government. I assured him that the United States would provide strong support for the new government. ‘Ok,’ he told me, ‘I’ll do it.’”
That simple but powerful affirmation, according to Ranneberger, was decisive in diffusing the crisis. “Had he been less flexible, the crisis would have been protracted. But he instead demonstrated a commitment to statesmanlike compromise for the good of all the people,” he said.
Following the formation of the Grand Coalition Government, Odinga served as Prime Minister from 2008 to 2013. Ranneberger recalled accompanying him on an official visit to the United States during that period, where Odinga sought international support for national reforms and democratic consolidation.
“During that trip, he spoke eloquently about his hope for the future of his country, and about what was needed to ensure its success,” Ranneberger added.
Ranneberger also reflected on Odinga’s personal sacrifices in the struggle for a more democratic Kenya, including his imprisonment during the regime of President Daniel arap Moi. Quoting from Odinga’s autobiography, The Flame of Freedom, the former ambassador noted the suffering he endured was “a veritable hell on earth.”
“But he remained faithful to his convictions,” Ranneberger said. “The path was never easy for Raila, but he always walked it with dignity, courage, and commitment to principle.”
As tributes continue from world leaders and citizens alike, Ranneberger joins the Odinga family and the Kenyan people in mourning the loss of a man whose political journey and moral clarity left an indelible mark.
“I join his family and the Kenyan people in mourning his passing, and honoring the profoundly important legacy he left for his country,” he said in closing.
Raila Odinga, a man who dedicated his life to the cause of freedom, unity, and justice, is being remembered not just as a politician, but as a visionary who gave everything to the promise of a better Kenya.
Rest in peace, Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga.
A friend. A leader. A giant.
