NAIROBI, Kenya- Oscar-winning actress Lupita Nyong’o has joined Kenyans and the global community in mourning the death of Hon. Raila Odinga, describing him as both a national hero and a deeply cherished family friend.
In a heartfelt message shared on her social media pages, Lupita reflected on her family’s long and personal connection to the Odingas, revealing that she knew the veteran leader from close quarters — not just as a statesman, but as “Uncle Raila.”
“I join Kenyans in mourning the passing of the great Hon. Raila Odinga,” Lupita wrote.
“I knew him up close as one of my father’s dearest friends, and also as a hero to the nation. He was there for my dad and for our family’s milestones — and we, his. Here is my father’s statement that so beautifully puts into words his love, respect, and admiration for a man who gave us so much of himself. Rest in peace, Uncle Raila. My comfort to the whole Odinga family as they come to terms with this monumental loss.”
Accompanying Lupita’s post was a statement from her father, Kisumu Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o, who eulogized Raila Odinga as a “giant of democracy, a visionary, and a man whose sacrifices helped shape Kenya’s modern political landscape.”
“Raila was not just a colleague in the struggle,” Prof. Nyong’o wrote. “He was a brother and a trusted friend. We fought side by side for the freedoms Kenyans enjoy today, often under difficult and dangerous circumstances. His courage and endurance remain unmatched.”
He added that Raila’s moral conviction and political stamina had made him “a symbol of resistance and reform,” whose influence would continue to guide the nation’s conscience.
Prof. Nyong’o’s statement also touched on the personal dimension of their friendship — a bond that extended beyond politics to family, celebration, and mutual care. “Our families have shared many joys and sorrows together,” he wrote. “Raila’s presence was constant — at weddings, at births, and even at moments of loss. His warmth, humour, and empathy left a lasting mark on all of us.”
Lupita’s post concluded with a message of solace: “Rest in peace, Uncle Raila. Thank you for the courage, love, and hope you gave to Kenya.”
