KAMPALA, Uganda – In a powerful demonstration of trans-national solidarity and respect, a special memorial prayer service for the late Kenyan political leader, the Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga, will be held in the heart of Uganda this week. The service, organized by his ODM party, is set to unite mourners in a moment of prayer, reflection, and unity.
The solemn event will take place at the historic All Saints Cathedral in Kampala, bringing together Ugandans, Kenyans, and other well-wishers to honour the life and legacy of a man widely regarded as a towering Pan-African figure.
The announcement highlights the deep cross-border impact of the late Odinga, whose influence stretched far beyond Kenya’s boundaries. The service is framed not just as a farewell, but as a celebration of his lifelong commitment to democracy, regional integration, and the ideals of Pan-Africanism.
In a notable gesture, the ODM party extended a special vote of thanks to Captain Mike Mukula, a prominent Ugandan politician and a close friend of the Odinga family. The party acknowledged Captain Mukula and his team for their instrumental role in facilitating the memorial service on Ugandan soil, underscoring the personal relationships that often underpin political diplomacy in East Africa.
“This service is more than a ritual; it is a testament to the bonds that tie our nations together,” a source within the organizing committee noted. “Raila Odinga was not just a Kenyan leader; he was an African giant. It is fitting that his friends and admirers in Uganda have this opportunity to join in mourning and celebrating him.”
The service is open to the public, with a cordial invitation extended to all who wish to pay their respects. Organizers have outlined an agenda focused on “a time of prayer, reflection, and unity,” aiming to provide a solemn yet uplifting atmosphere befitting Odinga’s vibrant spirit.
The choice of All Saints Cathedral, a central and symbolic place of worship in Uganda’s capital, ensures the event carries both spiritual and significant public weight.
For many, the memorial will serve as a poignant reminder of Odinga’s relentless push for a more integrated and collaborative East African community. His passing is felt not as a national loss for Kenya alone, but as a regional moment of reflection on the legacy of its founding generation of post-independence leaders.
The nation awaits an event expected to be attended by a diverse gathering of dignitaries, clergy, and citizens, all united in honouring a man whose life was dedicated to the service of the people and the dream of a united Africa.
