BREAKING NEWS
By Kachi Okezie
Kenya, 18 October 2026
A posthumous international award conferred on the late former Kenyan Prime Minister and veteran opposition leader, Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga, by the UK-based London Political Summit and Awards (LPSA) has been formally delivered to his widow, former First Lady H.E. Mama Ida Odinga, at the Odinga family’s country home in western Kenya.
The presentation was conducted by Ambassador Dr. Josephine Ojiambo, Co-Chair and Global Ambassador of the London Political Summit and Awards, accompanied by the High Commissioner of the Republic of Kenya to the United Kingdom, H.E. Ambassador Maurice Mak Oloo.
The award package comprised a crystal bust, a framed certificate and other commemorative gifts in honour of the late statesman’s enduring contributions to democratic governance, political reconciliation, peacebuilding and Pan-African cooperation.
The presentation provided a further opportunity to honour the life, service and legacy of a political leader whose influence extended beyond Kenya to the wider African continent and the international democratic community.
Following the presentation, Ambassador Ojiambo visited Kang’o ka Jaramogi, a site of profound historical and cultural significance to the Odinga family and an important landmark in Kenya’s political heritage.
Speaking on the significance of the recognition, Ambassador Ojiambo said:
“The engagement was a meaningful tribute to Raila Odinga’s enduring contribution to Kenya’s democratic evolution, constitutional reform, Pan-African solidarity and the advancement of social justice. His legacy transcends national boundaries, continuing to inspire conversations on accountable leadership, democratic governance and Africa’s development agenda.”
The LPSA delegation expressed its delight that H.E. Mama Ida Odinga received the award on behalf of her late husband, who served as the Summit’s Global Grand Patron. Her reception of the honour represented a deeply meaningful moment of remembrance and recognition for the Odinga family, as well as for those who continue to celebrate the late leader’s contributions to Kenya and Africa.
A Posthumous Honour at the 11th London Political Summit and Awards
The presentation in Kenya follows the 11th London Political Summit and Awards (LPSA) 2026, held in London from 12 to 14 October, where Raila Odinga was posthumously honoured with the Raila–Africa Peace Accord Award in recognition of his contributions to democratic engagement, political reconciliation, peacebuilding and Pan-African cooperation.
The award was presented during the Summit’s International Awards Gala Dinner Reception on 14 October at the Copthorne Tara Hotel in Kensington, London. It was received on behalf of the late statesman by Kenya’s Deputy High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Ambassador Irene Maswan, accompanied by Ambassador Dr. Josephine Ojiambo.
Amb. Ojiambo, and Amb. Oloo presents the Awards , to Mama Ida Odinga in her country home Kenya.
The ceremony included a one-minute silence in honour of the late leader, as participants joined the people of Kenya, democrats and Pan-Africanists around the world in commemorating his life and legacy during the period marking the first anniversary of his passing.
The Summit brought together political leaders, diplomats, government representatives, business stakeholders and civil society actors to reflect on Raila Odinga’s decades of public service and his role in advancing multiparty democracy, constitutional reform and peaceful political engagement in Kenya and across Africa.
Celebrating a Legacy of Democracy and Reconciliation
A central feature of the Summit was a tribute delivered by Ambassador Dr. Josephine Ojiambo, titled “Raila Amolo Odinga: A Life Given to Parliamentary Democracy.” The tribute reflected on his struggles for democratic freedoms, his commitment to constitutional transformation and his enduring belief in dialogue as a pathway to political reconciliation.
The Summit also highlighted Raila Odinga’s role in Kenya’s 2008 power-sharing settlement, which helped address the political crisis following the disputed 2007 general election, as well as his contribution to the country’s constitutional reform process, culminating in the adoption of the landmark 2010 Constitution.
His 2018 reconciliation with former President Uhuru Kenyatta, popularly associated with the “Handshake”, was also recognised as a defining moment in Kenya’s political history and an important demonstration of the potential of dialogue to bridge political divisions.
Beyond Kenya, his service as the African Union’s High Representative for Infrastructure Development underscored his commitment to regional integration, Pan-African solidarity and stronger economic connections across the continent.
Through these milestones, Raila Odinga established a political legacy associated with democratic participation, constitutionalism, national reconciliation and the pursuit of a more integrated and prosperous Africa.
Preserving the Legacy of an African Statesman
The delivery of the award to Mama Ida Odinga in Kenya extends the Summit’s tribute beyond the London ceremony, reaffirming the LPSA’s commitment to recognising leaders whose contributions have shaped democratic governance, political dialogue and Africa’s development aspirations.
The international recognition of Raila Odinga’s legacy also reflects the Summit’s broader mission to celebrate African leadership, strengthen democratic institutions and promote peace, accountability and sustainable development.
Preserving the legacy of national icons is more than an act of remembrance. It is a commitment to sustaining their ideals, advancing the causes for which they stood and translating their aspirations into meaningful opportunities for future generations.
As Kenya and the wider African community reflect on the life and contributions of Raila Amolo Odinga, the presentation of the Raila–Africa Peace Accord Award stands as a symbolic reaffirmation of the enduring importance of democratic values, peaceful political engagement and Pan-African solidarity.
The visit to the special site, Kango Ka Jaramigi ,and burial place of Late Rt Hon Raila Amoo Odinga
