Rev. Joseph Wesonga of the Anglican Church of Kenya delivered a moving sermon at Raila Odinga's final funeral service, urging Kenyans to draw strength from faith and uphold the democratic ideals the late leader stood for.
"Brothers and sisters, when death comes, it disrupts. We know that death has disrupted the ODM party. We know that death has disrupted the Odinga family. We know that death has disrupted the broad-based government. But those who wait upon God will get direction," said Rev. Wesonga at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology in Bondo on Sunday.
Quoting the Bible, he reminded mourners of God's promise of comfort and guidance: "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you."
Addressing key figures directly, he added, "Mama Ida, wait upon the Lord. President Ruto, wait upon the Lord. All of us, let us wait upon the Lord and do what is right."
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The cleric called on Kenyans to preserve Odinga's legacy by upholding justice, democracy, and gender equality. "The nation will be stronger and more united because we will be united in the name of God," he said.
Rev. Wesonga described Odinga as a "champion of gender equality and a defender of the oppressed," urging Kenyans to honour his memory by empowering women in leadership.
"I plead that the country ensures the right number of women are elected to all positions because that will please the late Prime Minister," he said, adding humorously, "When you go home, do not beat your husband or your wife, because Raila was a crusader against gender violence."
He praised Odinga's humility and connection with ordinary citizens.
"Raila was a politician who always listened to the ground. Let us listen to the people of Kenya and make justice flow like a river and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream," he said.
The service was attended by top political leaders, clergy, and thousands of mourners who sang hymns and waved palm fronds -- a traditional Luo symbol of grief and reverence.
Speaker after speaker paid glowing tribute to Odinga, recalling his resilience, sacrifice, and steadfast belief in democracy and peace.
Odinga, one of Kenya's most influential opposition figures, died on Wednesday at the age of 80 in India, where he had been receiving treatment for an undisclosed illness.
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His political career spanned over four decades, including a term as Prime Minister from 2008 to 2013.
Despite losing five presidential contests, he remained an unwavering advocate for electoral justice and good governance, leaving a legacy that transcended party lines.
