Alur king mourns ‘force of nature’ Raila Odinga

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The King of the Alur, Ubimu Philip Olarker Rauni III, is mourning the death of former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga.

Ubimu Olarker said the late Odinga was an outstanding elder among the Luo community worldwide.

Raila Amolo Odinga passed away on October 15, 2025, in India following a sudden cardiac arrest.

Ubimu said, “On behalf of the Alur people of Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the diaspora, I, Ubimu Philip Olarker Rauni III, the Lebtong (Spearhead) of the Central Luo, join you, Mama Ida Odinga and family, the Greater Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Family, the Paramount Chief of Ramogi, the Luo Community (Ramogi), and the people of Kenya in mourning the passing away of the late illustrious Rt Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga.”

Ubimu Olarker described the late Raila Amolo Odinga as a Kenyan nationalist and pan-Africanist par excellence, and a true force of nature, whose untimely death was deeply felt because he strongly believed he had more to contribute positively, not only to Kenya, Africa, and humanity, but also to the progress and prosperity of the greater Luo Nation.

He said Raila Odinga was the most illustrious son, always willing to give his all for greater Luo unity.

The Alur king added that what Kenyans, Africans, and humanity saw in Raila Odinga is emblematic and symbolic of true Luoness.

He said Odinga’s ability to disagree agreeably and to compromise despite adversity was a true mark of a typical Luo, grounded in the long-held Luo principle of truth-telling and justice.

Ubimu Olarker said the demise of Raila Amolo Odinga is not in vain. Rather, his passing is a rallying call for greater, deeper, and stronger cross-boundary unity among all Luo towards a brighter common future and shared prosperity.

He added that the departure of Raila Odinga serves as both an inspiration and aspiration for a true global Luohood.

Kenya's long-time opposition leader, Raila Odinga, was buried in a state funeral in western Kenya on Sunday after several days of national commemorations attended by tens of thousands.