At the State Funeral of the late Raila Amollo Odinga, one of the most unforgettable moments came when Bishop David Kodia of the Anglican Church took to the podium. His sermon, deeply rooted in faith, justice, and hope, held thousands of mourners at Nyayo Stadium spellbound.
From the moment he began to speak, the atmosphere shifted. His voice carried both sorrow and strength, perfectly capturing the emotions of a nation mourning the man who had defined Kenyan politics for more than four decades. The Bishop spoke of Raila’s courage, his unyielding belief in democracy, and his lifelong devotion to justice and the common man. Each word resonated deeply with the crowd, who responded with thunderous applause.
Then came a pause—brief but heavy with emotion. Bishop Kodia looked across the sea of faces, his expression calm but resolute. When he spoke again, his words cut through the silence like a divine echo.
“Great men do not die,” he declared. “They live on through the courage of those they inspired.”
The effect was electric. The stadium erupted in chants of “Igwee! Igwee!”—a traditional expression of honor and reverence. Flags waved high, mourners lifted their hands to the sky, and for a moment, grief gave way to a collective sense of pride and unity.
Bishop Kodia smiled gently as he allowed the moment to breathe, then continued his sermon—one that many would later describe as prophetic, comforting, and healing. His message reminded Kenyans that Raila Odinga’s life was not just a political journey but a spiritual one—rooted in the fight for truth and freedom.
The sermon marked one of the most moving highlights of the funeral, capturing the essence of Raila’s legacy and the spirit of a people united in both sorrow and admiration. As the chants of “Igwee!” faded into solemn silence, it became clear that this was more than a farewell—it was the celebration of a life that would continue to inspire generations.
