Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi with Uasin Gishu Deputy Governor Evans Kapkea speaking in Eldoret on October 16, 2025. /PHOTO: MATHEWS NDANYIKapseret MP Oscar Sudi has mourned the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, describing him as a father figure and political mentor who shaped his outlook on leadership and public service.
Speaking from his home in Eldoret alongside Uasin Gishu Deputy Governor Evans Kapkea and several MPs, Sudi said Odinga was not only his personal friend but also a rare breed of politician who always placed the country’s interests above his own.
“Raila truly believed Kenya was bigger than him, and that is why he always put the nation first,” Sudi said.
He praised Odinga as a wise, selfless leader who remained down-to-earth despite his stature. Sudi recalled that Odinga would often take calls from ordinary citizens, a sign of his humility and connection with the people.
Sudi said many of today’s political leaders—across the divide — had drawn lessons from Odinga’s resilience and sacrifices.
“He always called me his son, and I always referred to him as Mzee,” Sudi said, adding that his close relationship with the Odinga family began through the late Raila's son Fidel Odinga.
He described the former prime minister as a respectful and social leader who never harboured hatred towards his opponents.
“During the last elections, Raila and President William Ruto spoke at least four times as votes were being counted,” Sudi revealed. “We assured him that regardless of the outcome, we would remain friends.”
Sudi hinted at undisclosed details about the formation of the current broad-based government, saying more information would be revealed in due course.
“There’s a lot we could say about how this government came to be, but for now, let us mourn our father, Odinga,” he said.
He also lauded Odinga’s patience and ability to listen before making decisions—qualities he said had earned him admiration across political lines.
Sudi and Kapkea announced plans to set up giant screens in Eldoret to allow residents to follow the ongoing national mourning activities in honor of Odinga. The screens will be erected at Zion Mall and Eldoret Sports Club.
Kapkea said young politicians across the country owe their freedoms and political space to the struggles led by Odinga. He also thanked the former prime minister for the support he had shown President Ruto and the current government.
“Odinga’s legacy will live on in the freedoms we enjoy and the unity he preached,” Kapkea said.
