Bishop Kodia's fiery sermon that lit up Nyayo Stadium

Kenyans express sorrow and grief during the State Funeral Service for the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga on October 17, 2025, at Nyayo National Stadium. [Kanyiri Wahito, Standard]

When Professor David Kodia, the Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Bondo, took to the pulpit at Nyayo National Stadium, the murmurs in the crowd hushed. His voice, calm yet commanding, sliced through the sorrowful silence.

The atmosphere at Nyayo National Stadium was electric as thousands of mourners gathered under the blazing mid-morning sun to pay their last respects to Kenya’s former Prime Minister, Raila Amolo Odinga, the man they fondly called Baba.

Bishop Kodia used the opportunity to call out looters and politicians who promote a culture of handouts.

“Baba never used the power of money to intimidate people. Today, we have bad manners among our politicians. They have taught our people the culture of handouts,” he said amid chants.

The crowd stirred with shouts of “Ameeeen,” signaling a moral rebuke to a country adrift in corruption and greed.

“Raila Odinga was a politician who never relied on money to intimidate or win followers. He never used the power of his wallet to convince others, but instead relied on the power of persuasion. Today, many of our politicians have lost this principle, promoting a culture of handouts,” said Bishop Kodia.

“Who amongst you can fit in Baba’s shoes?” he continued.

The question hung in the air like a challenge. For a moment, silence. Then, a wave of emotion erupted across the stadium. “BABA!” the crowd would shout.  

The Anglican Bishop then paused, allowing the energy to swell. Then he spoke again, this time softer, more reflective. “As we honour Raila Odinga today, let us first and foremost see ourselves as Kenyans. Let us abandon the narrow viewpoints of our tribes, classes, and regions. Kenya is too great to be subdivided by such differences.”

He painted Odinga as a man who embodied unity, conviction, and a service leader who never bowed to material temptation.

Then came the sting, the part that made the crowd erupt in murmurs and applause. “If there’s anyone here at whatever level who has looted this country, you stand the chance to be condemned! Whoever you are, MP, governor, you are in trouble!”

His words sent the crowd into a roar, some rising to their feet, fists clenched in agreement.

Bishop Kodia’s voice softened again as he recalled a personal encounter. “It is hardly a month ago that we had breakfast with the family. I saw a man who was ready to meet God any time. He had made peace with his creator. We have lost not just a leader, but a believer, a man at the heart of our diocese,” he said.