Billionaire philanthropist and Econet Group founder Strive Masiyiwa has paid an emotional tribute to the late Kenyan opposition leader and Pan-Africanist, Raila Odinga, describing him as a “great champion of Africa” and a “brother of almost 30 years.”
Kenya’s former Prime Minister died on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, in India at the age of 80.
In a heartfelt statement shared on Friday, Masiyiwa said he was struggling to find words to express his sorrow following Odinga’s passing, calling the loss deeply personal.
“Normally, when someone I knew very well passes away, I find it quite easy to sit down and pen something memorable,” he wrote.
“For the last two days, however, I have tried hard to sit down and pen something about Raila Odinga, and words have just failed me.”
Masiyiwa said he preferred, for now, to be alone, pray, and reflect on Odinga’s life and legacy, noting that the late Kenyan statesman was not only a close friend but also an elder brother.
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“I have known Raila for nearly 30 years. We were not just friends; he was my elder brother, and that is just how we addressed each other,” Masiyiwa said, adding that they often collaborated on issues affecting Africa beyond their own national borders.
The Econet founder lauded Odinga’s lifelong courage and resilience, particularly his role in Kenya’s struggle for democracy, during which he endured imprisonment.
“Everyone who knew Raila Odinga well will always tell you about his courage. That is how most of us got to know about him,” Masiyiwa said.
“People have no idea just how courageous he was, particularly during the struggle to end authoritarian rule, for which he was imprisoned. This was one big, big African lion!”
He also hailed Odinga’s commitment to Pan-Africanism, describing him as one of the continent’s most ardent advocates for unity and progress.
“Raila Odinga was also a Pan-Africanist. It’s remarkable how few people in Africa today appreciate that there was a powerful political movement championed by people like him, which is called Pan-Africanism. He was one of its most ardent proponents,” he said.
Masiyiwa extended his condolences to Odinga’s widow, Mama Ida Odinga, and the entire Odinga family, thanking them “for sharing Raila with Kenya and Africa.”
Odinga dedicated his life to the struggle for democracy, social justice, and African unity.
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