Tears, cheers, and heartfelt tributes filled the air at Kang’o Ka Jaramogi in Bondo as Arsenal fans from across Kenya made a touching pilgrimage to pay homage to the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga that left Mama Ida Odinga was left speechless and heart full.
The fans, dressed in the red and white of the North London club Raila adored, sang the Arsenal anthem with unwavering passion.
At the heart of this tribute was Mama Ida Odinga, the widow whose quiet strength has inspired many since her husband’s passing.
The crowd presented her with a specially crafted Arsenal jersey, emblazoned with the number 80 — a number symbolizing both the love for her late husband and the enduring legacy he left behind.
The moment was pure emotion. A smile, rare and radiant, lit up Mama Ida’s face as she received the gift, her eyes reflecting the depth of her gratitude and the warmth of shared memories.
“Arsenal fans from across the country make a special pilgrimage to Raila Odinga’s final resting place in Bondo to pay their respects to the legend. Gone but forever in our hearts,” Azimio TV shared, capturing the moment in pictures and words.
Raila Odinga, a diehard Arsenal supporter and lifelong Gor Mahia patron, had a love for football that transcended the pitch.
Locally, he nurtured the legacy of Gor Mahia, once known as Luo Union, supporting the club as a player and later as a devoted patron. His passion for the sport mirrored his dedication to the people and the causes he championed.
The gesture brought joy not just to Mama Ida, known affectionately as Min Piny, but to Kenyans who have admired the Odingas’ journey.
Netizens flooded social media with messages celebrating the heartfelt tribute:
- Ycliffe Davids: “This is heart-warming. Min Piny received them… a testimony to how she respected Baba’s love for Arsenal.”
- Kman Juma: “One thing I knew about Raila — he was a man of integrity & love, even for those who opposed him.”
- Victor Ntabo: “Ida is truly glad… never seen her smile that much since Baba passed.”
- Wuon Laurah: “Even death is wondering the man he took away from us. All Arsenal fans at the stadium should show respect to Baba at the 80th Minute.”
- David Maingi: “Cheers, other leaders should copy this, to be loved more than hated from all parts of the world like Baba, the hint is only fighting for justice, equality and democracy.”
Earlier, Gor Mahia also paid homage to Raila during their match against Posta Rangers, honoring their long-serving patron through heartfelt gestures from players, fans, and the club’s leadership.
In these moments of remembrance, one truth became clear: Raila Odinga may have left this world, but the love, admiration, and respect he inspired continue to ripple across generations.
For Mama Ida, for Arsenal fans, and for all who hold him dear, his spirit lives on — in smiles, songs, and the red and white of a cherished jersey.
Arsenal Fan TV (AFTV), the globally recognized fan channel, paid a heartfelt tribute to the late Raila Odinga, honoring his profound connection to the Arsenal community.
In a poignant message shared on social media, AFTV expressed deep sorrow at the passing of the former Kenyan Prime Minister, who was a passionate Arsenal supporter and a cherished friend to their community.
The tribute highlighted Odinga’s warmth, commitment, and the lasting impact he had on both Arsenal fans and the broader Kenyan community.
AFTV’s statement concluded with a message of gratitude, acknowledging Odinga’s significant role within the Arsenal family and extending condolences to his family and the people of Kenya.
This tribute from AFTV underscores the global reach of football’s unifying power and the deep bonds it creates among fans worldwide.
