A throwback video of Raila Odinga introducing Fidel Odinga’s widow, Lwam Bekele, during what appears to be a funeral or memorial gathering has resurfaced online, stirring deep emotion among Kenyans as the first anniversary of Raila’s death on 15 October draws near.
The clip, which surfaced on TikTok, was filmed at an outdoor tent event and shows Raila addressing a crowd with a microphone in hand, visibly composed despite the weight of the moment.
Raila’s heartfelt words for Lwam
In the video, Raila spoke directly about Lwam, describing her warmly and calling on those in attendance to stand with her as she faced life without Fidel.
“This is Lwam, Lwam Odinga, Fidel Odinga,” he said, before adding:
“You can see this young, beautiful girl. Fidel knew how to choose them — a very nice, intelligent and very caring lady.”
He acknowledged her pain openly while also looking ahead with a note of hope.
“As you see her here, she’s mourning, but she has a future, and she must have a future,” he said, urging the crowd to grieve alongside her.
“I’m sure all of you are mourning with her. Thank you, Lord. Take heart.”
Kenyans reflect ahead of Raila’s first death anniversary
The clip has moved many Kenyans who have been revisiting memories of the veteran opposition leader as his first death anniversary approaches.
For many, seeing Raila hold himself together to publicly comfort his late son’s widow while grappling with his own grief has been a poignant reminder of the man he was.
Fidel Odinga, the eldest son of Raila and Ida Odinga, passed away, leaving behind his wife Lwam Bekele.
His death was a significant moment in Kenyan public life, given Fidel’s own professional profile and the prominence of the Odinga family.
Watch the resurfaced clip of Raila introducing Lwam Bekele at Fidel’s memorial:
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