- Germany has honoured Raila Odinga on the first anniversary of his death, recalling his studies in Leipzig and Magdeburg and his special connection with the country
- Ambassador Sebastian Groth praised Raila’s contribution to Kenya’s democratic development, describing him as a Pan-Africanist
- The tribute came as Raila’s family, political allies and supporters gathered in Migwena, Bondo, to commemorate his death
Germany has honoured former Prime Minister Raila Odinga on the first anniversary of his death, with its ambassador recalling the late Kenyan leader’s connection to the European country and his commitment to African unity.
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In a tribute shared on Thursday, October 15, the German Embassy in Kenya remembered Raila as a Pan-African visionary whose influence extended beyond Kenya.
“Today, we join Kenyans in remembering the late Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga, one year after his passing. Raila shared a special connection with Germany, having studied German in Leipzig and mechanical engineering in Magdeburg,” the embassy said.
German Ambassador to Kenya Sebastian Groth also reflected on his last meeting with Raila in 2024, recalling how the two spoke German for much of their conversation.
During the meeting, they reminisced about old times and discussed politics, with Groth saying he learnt a great deal from the former prime minister about Kenya, its political landscape and African history.
A year after Raila’s death, the embassy said his legacy continued to resonate in Kenya and beyond.
“One year on, we honour his memory and extend our heartfelt thoughts to all Kenyans remembering his life and legacy,” the embassy added.
What did Germany say about Raila Odinga’s legacy?
Speaking in a subsequent interview on Hot 96, Groth praised Raila’s contribution to Kenya’s democratic development, describing him as a leader whose political vision extended beyond the country’s borders.
“He (Raila) played a very, very important role in the democratic development of this country. He was always looking beyond Kenya. I think he was a very convinced Pan-Africanist, who was working for the unity of the continent, and also an internationalist,” the ambassador said.
Groth suggested that Raila’s time in Germany may have helped shape his appreciation of the need to build bridges between different countries and cultures.
“Probably because he spent too long in Germany, he knew the importance of being a bridge builder between the continents and the different cultures,” he said.
Raila studied in the former East Germany before returning to Kenya, where he became one of the country's most influential political figures. His career spanned decades of opposition politics, democratic reform campaigns and efforts to foster political cooperation.
How did Kenya remember Raila on his first death anniversary?
The German tribute came as political leaders, family members and supporters gathered at Migwena Sports Ground in Bondo, Siaya County, on Thursday to mark the first anniversary of Raila’s death.
The event brought together members of the Odinga family and political allies to remember the former prime minister, who died in India on October 15, 2025.
His elder brother, Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga, was among those at the centre of public attention on the anniversary, having marked his 83rd birthday on the same day while receiving treatment at Nairobi Hospital.
Oburu’s birthday message reflected on the coincidence, describing October 15 as a date that now carries both personal significance and deep grief following Raila’s death.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
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