A powerful wave of emotion swept through Nyayo National Stadium during the state funeral of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga when Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Bondo, Rt Rev Prof. David Kodia, delivered a fiery sermon condemning corruption and calling for national renewal.
Standing before thousands of mourners waving flags, twigs, and white handkerchiefs, Bishop Kodia’s words cut through the solemn atmosphere with prophetic intensity. “When we are proclaiming the word, we should not be fearful,” he declared. “The word proclaimed must have the power to transform and renew our strength, for the liberation of a country from those who are looting everything from us, from the county levels to everywhere.”
The crowd responded with thunderous cheers, clapping, and chants that echoed across the stadium. Many rose to their feet in agreement, shouting “Amen!” and “Preach, Bishop!”
But Bishop Kodia’s message grew even more direct. “If there is anyone here, at whatever level—be you a governor, an MCA, whoever it is—who has looted this country, you know you stand the chance to be condemned.” The stadium erupted again, a wave of applause and emotion washing over the gathering.
His sermon transformed the somber ceremony into a moment of moral reflection and collective conviction. It was not merely a message of mourning, but a rallying cry against corruption and injustice—principles that defined Raila Odinga’s lifelong struggle.
Reflecting on Raila’s legacy, Bishop Kodia said, “In him, we see the strengths of justice yet to be won, peace yet to be achieved, and reconciliation yet to be realized.”
By the time he ended with a blessing—“May God lift you all as we bid farewell to Baba”—many mourners were moved to tears. The sermon captured both the grief and the hope of a nation yearning for integrity and justice.
