Story by Oleen Ndori, Foreign Editor
PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa has paid tribute to the late former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga for his contribution towards African development.
Often described as a towering figure in African politics, the former Prime Minister died on October 15. He collapsed during a morning walk and was taken to Devamatha Hospital.
After signing a book of condolences at the Kenyan Embassy in Harare this Wednesday, President Emmerson Mnangagwa described the late Prime Minister as a great statesman committed to Africa.
“He is one of the outstanding African nationalists. We recognise him both in Southern Africa and East Africa. He has played his part in moulding the modern independent African states. He was a solid Pan-Africanist. When we grew up, we emulated his vision and his speeches. And we feel that he has done his part in moulding modern, independent Africa. He was indeed a revolutionary, and we respect him,” he said.
President Mnangagwa added that as the continent moves towards enhanced trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), lessons can be drawn from the work of the former Kenyan Prime Minister.
“I believe that the current leaders of Africa and those who come after us will take a cue from the path and foundations built by the founding fathers of the African Union. He is one of them. And we are all following the steps and vision he created alongside other luminaries like Kaunda, Kenyatta, Nyerere, and so on, on the continent. We are just walking in their footsteps,” he added.
The son of Kenya’s first Vice President, Odinga was a towering figure in Kenyan politics for over four decades and later served as Prime Minister from 2008 to 2013 under a power-sharing agreement. Former Prime Minister Odinga was laid to rest in his hometown of Bondo on October 19.
