As Kenya mourns the death of former Prime Minister, Raila Amolo Odinga, the country’s Catholic Bishops have expressed their condolence at his passing describing him as an ‘illustrious statesman’ whose life was marked by courage, resilience and dedication to the common good of all in the country.
Sr. Christine Masivo, CPS – Vatican City
The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) in a message addressed to Kenyan President, Dr. William Samoei Ruto, and the widow -Mama Ida Odinga, the Bishops conveyed their heartfelt condolences on behalf of the Catholic Church in Kenya.
A legacy of courage and vision
“We join all Kenyans in mourning the loss of a courageous and dedicated leader who tirelessly championed democracy, human rights, and the rule of law, often at great personal risk,” wrote the Bishops in a statement signed by the chair of the Kenyan Bishops’ Conference, Archbishop Maurice Muhatia Makumba, of Kisumu Archdiocese.
“His selfless sacrifice, resilience, and unwavering vision of a just and united Kenya will remain an enduring legacy for generations to come,” reads the message, in part.
Mr. Raila Odinga, one of Kenya’s most prominent political figures, will be remembered for his lifelong struggle for democracy, his opposition to dictatorship and his persistence to advocacy for the rights of the marginalised
The Bishops’ message reflects the Catholic Church’s longstanding role in Kenya’s democratic journey, standing alongside the people in their aspirations for justice, peace, and reconciliation.
