Uhuru Jokes About Joining Raila Odinga After His Death [VIDEO]

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta lightened the mood at Raila Odinga’s state funeral with a touch of humour, touching on subjects that had included joining former Kenyan presidents who had died after serving in office.

Speaking at Nyayo National Stadium on Friday, October 17, Uhuru joked that while the late former Prime Minister Raila had now joined their forefathers, he himself was in “no hurry” to follow.

“Now, my friend, now that you have gone ahead of me there, I know you all talk to each other there. Not that I'm in a hurry to come and join you there, I still want to rest a bit, may God help us,” he said.

Uhuru Kenyatta says he is not in a hurry to join Raila Odinga in the next life#ViralVideos pic.twitter.com/j1zFGO8Gmf — Viral Tea Ke (@ViralTeaKe) October 17, 2025

Adding, “I know when our time comes, you will be there to show us the way and the roads there. May God have mercy and rest your soul.”

Further, Uhuru paid glowing tribute to the late former Prime Minister, describing him as a “beacon of peace, democracy and human rights” whose impact on Kenya’s political journey would forever be unmatched.

“Our history in this country is not complete without Raila as number one,” Uhuru said, urging Kenyans to uphold the values and ideals that Raila stood for throughout his life.

He praised Raila’s inclusive spirit, noting that he treated all Kenyans equally regardless of tribe or background.

“Raila Odinga was never tribal; he loved all the people of Kenya. This is evident in the friendships he built across the country.

"Raila valued you for your thoughts and words, not because of the colour of your skin,” Uhuru remarked.

The former president also offered his condolences to Raila’s widow, Mama Ida Odinga, and their children—Rosemary, Junior, and Winnie—saying he would stand with them in Raila’s absence.

Uhuru reminisced about the lighter moments he shared with Raila, recalling their conversations about the nation’s founding fathers and other fallen heroes.

“Sometimes after work, when we'd relax a bit, we would be given a small something there. You're laughing? By 'a small something,' I mean porridge and tea,” he said to laughter from the crowd.

“We would talk about our fathers who had passed away, wondering if they were watching us and what they might be saying. Now I know you are with them, talking to our old men,” he added.

Uhuru’s speech carried both warmth and nostalgia, reflecting on their once-fierce rivalry that evolved into brotherhood after the 2018 Handshake.

“Raila has left us in body, but in our spirits and in the spirit of Kenya, he will live for years to come,” he said.

Collage of Uhuru Kenyatta and the late former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga. /OFFICE OF THE 4TH PRESIDENT