The Legion Maria Church has expressed deep sorrow following the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, describing him as a towering figure of unity and an unwavering advocate for peace and reconciliation.
According to the Church’s Secretary General, Cardinal Timothy Lukas Abwao, Raila’s passing on Saturday, October 25, 2025, is a profound loss not only to Kenya but also to the Legion Maria community, which viewed him as a partner and friend.
“Raila was a partner who stood with us. He often prayed with our members, and his respect for God and spiritual convictions were evident to all who knew him,” said Abwao during a memorial service at Kango Kajaramogi, where Raila was laid to rest.
Abwao added that Raila drew strength from prayer and always sought divine guidance in his pursuit of national unity and peace. The church leadership joined the Odinga family and the nation in mourning a man they called “a true arbitrator.”
Raila Odinga had previously helped mediate leadership disputes within the Legion Maria Church, which has long been divided between two factions — one led by Pope Raphael Adika and the other by Pope Lawrence Ochieng.
“In times of crisis, Raila helped us resolve leadership wrangles that threatened to divide the church,” Abwao recalled.
Raila’s commitment to unity was also evident in his 2021 statement to Legio Maria faithfuls, where he pledged to help reconcile the factions, declaring, “Umoja ni nguvu na utengano ni udhaifu” (united we stand, divided we fall).
Even President William Ruto once joked that he thought Raila was a member of the Legio Maria sect, highlighting his close ties with the church.
Raila’s relationship with religious communities stretched back decades, including moments during his political exile in the early 1990s when he disguised himself as a Legio Maria adherent to evade persecution — a symbol of his resilience, faith, and unyielding commitment to peace.
