In Memory of Kenya’s Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga

With profound sorrow and hearts filled with compassion, on behalf of Dr. Hak Ja Han, co-founder of the Universal Peace Federation International, we express our deepest condolences to Dr. Ida Odinga, to the entire Odinga family, and the people of Kenya, during this moment of national and continental mourning over the passing of the Right Honorable Raila Amolo Odinga.

The passing of this beloved statesman and former prime minister is a great loss to the Republic of Kenya, to the African continent, and to the worldwide peace movement. Among the more than 7,000 UPF Ambassadors for Peace in Kenya, he stood out as one of the most distinguished – a man whose moral vision, courage and sense of justice will continue to inspire generations of leaders.

Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga’s encounter with the UPF Founders, Rev. Dr. Sun Myung Moon and Dr. Hak Ja Han, and his appointment as an Ambassador for Peace, marked the beginning of a profound spiritual journey – revealing a statesman guided not only by political conviction but by the higher principles of forgiveness, reconciliation, and unity.

He once testified: “The UPF peace principles have played a very important role in helping us to end violence in Kenya. You are bringing hope for a brighter future to our nation, to Africa and the world.”

Through his leadership, he played a pivotal role in the UPF initiative for the Nairobi River cleaning and regeneration, and was the visionary force behind the 2008 Global Peace Festival in Nairobi, held after the tragic post-election violence of 2007. His courage and faith helped to heal a wounded nation and rekindle the spirit of dialogue, hope, and brotherhood among Kenyans.

Today, UPF remembers a great friend, a true statesman, and a devoted Ambassador for Peace, who truly believed in the dream of One Family under God. His light will continue to shine through the generations he inspired, and his example will remain a moral compass for Africa and the world.

As the Scripture reminds us: “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”  [Psalm 147:3]

May God, our Heavenly Parent, receive him in Eternal Peace, and may divine comfort and strength be granted to Dr. Ida Odinga, the Odinga family, and the people of Kenya.

May the legacy of his unyielding faith in peace, democracy, and human dignity continue to guide our path forward.

With deepest sympathy and heartfelt prayers,

Dr. Tageldin Hamad, President, UPF International Mr. Adama Doumbia, President, UPF Africa October 15, 2025