Oburu Odinga, the elder brother of Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga, has revealed that the former Prime Minister staged an epic battle against Covid-19 with Paul Koinange.
Speaking during Koinange’s farewell service, Oburu said Odinga was hospitalized at the same time as the late Kiambaa MP for Covid-19.
In his tribute, Oburu lauded Koinange as a courageous leader and unifier who unwaveringly championed the building bridges initiative.
“Raila was a close friend of our departed brother [Koinange]. Raila was with my brother in the hospital; suffering from the same disease. Both were battling for their lives. Fortunately, Raila recovered by a whisker and is now doing well… We worked together very closely in BBI. He came to visit us in Bondo – he toured Siaya and Kisumu promoting BBI and the handshake,” said Oburu.
Eulogizing the late MP, President Uhuru Kenyatta’s brother, Muhoho, mourned Koinange as a selfless leader who served as a bridge, and a visionary who contributed immensely to peace, security, and development.
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Opening up about their family ties, Muhoho described the late chair of the National Security and Administration Committee as an extraordinary friend and family man who imbued strong values.
“Koinange was an exceptional friend. His unassuming demeanor and cheerful disposition always endeared him to all who interacted with him. To me, Paul was not just a friend but a brother. He was always keen that will live a purposeful life that would impact not only our families, but the whole nation. His commitment to unity amongst all Kenyans was demonstrated in the way he looked for ways and means to enrich our cultural diversity and make us a better nation,” mourned Muhoho.
Muhoho said Koinange was a dependable leader whose exceptional servant leadership will be missed.
“Honorable Koinange was outspoken yet firm in the execution of his duties. Throughout our friendship, I learned great lessons from him especially the power of humility in undertaking and fulfilling great assignments. We might all have different memories of Paul but one thing is absolutely clear to all of us, he loved and lived for his family and country. Because of that love, he went out of his way to create a conducive environment for future generations to thrive,” said Muhoho.
Paul Koinange died at a Nairobi hospital on Wednesday, March 31 while receiving treatment for Covid-19.
