NAIROBI, Kenya – The German Embassy in Nairobi has paid tribute to former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga on the first anniversary of his death, recalling his ties to Germany and a final meeting in 2024 during which the two spoke German and discussed politics and history.
In a message shared on X on Thursday, October 15, 2026, the embassy said Raila had maintained a special connection with Germany, having studied German in Leipzig and mechanical engineering in Magdeburg.
The embassy also shared reflections from German Ambassador to Kenya Sebastian Groth, who recalled spending much of his last conversation with Raila speaking German.
“Reflecting on their last meeting in 2024, Ambassador Sebastian Groth recalls speaking German with Raila for much of their conversation, reminiscing about old times and discussing politics,” the embassy said.
Groth said he learnt a great deal from Raila about Kenya, Kenyan politics and African history during their discussions.
Germany Honours Raila’s Pan-African Legacy
The embassy described Raila as a Pan-African visionary whose influence extended beyond Kenya, saying his legacy would endure in the country and across the continent.
“One year on, we honour his memory and extend our heartfelt thoughts to all Kenyans remembering his life and legacy,” the embassy said.
The tribute highlighted a less frequently discussed aspect of Raila’s life: his educational connection to Germany and his ability to draw on those experiences in conversations with international diplomats.
Raila Remembered One Year After His Death
Raila died on October 15, 2025, aged 80, while receiving medical treatment in Kochi, India.
His first death anniversary has prompted tributes from family members, political leaders, institutions and supporters reflecting on his decades in public service and his role in Kenya’s political and democratic development.
The German Embassy’s message added an international perspective to the commemorations, remembering Raila not only as a prominent Kenyan political figure but also as a person whose experiences and interests helped shape his relationships with people beyond the country.
The embassy extended its condolences to Kenyans marking the anniversary and reflecting on his life and legacy.
