- Faith Kipyegon has praised the late Raila Odinga as the person who encouraged her to break the record
- Raila was buried on October 19 after a state ceremony led by President William Ruto in Siaya county
- The former prime minister always sent messages of support for the three-time Olympic 1500m champion
Faith Kipyegon He paid his respects to the late Raila Odinga shortly after he was buried on Sunday evening.
Source: Getty Images
Finally, Raila was buried next to his father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, in their family funeral in Kang’o ka Jaramogi, Siaya county.
What did Faith Kipyegon say about Raila?
Kipyegon, arguably Kenya’s greatest athlete, mourned the man who always supported and cheered him on during his many record-breaking runs.
“Rest in peace Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga. You have always cheered us on and encouraged us to break records in sports. I am inspired by your love and dedication to our nation. The freedom we enjoy today remains part of your legacy,” he said through his X account.
How Raila cheered Kipyegon
Raila was a famous football fan and regularly attended Gor Mahia matches and Harambee Starsbut he also loved and talked about athletics.
After Kipyegon bravely attempted to run the mile in under 4 minutes, Raila congratulated him, saying,
“What can I say about Imani? She exudes strength, resilience, grace, and patriotism. She represents a true champion and epitomizes the indomitable Kenyan spirit. We are proud of you, Imani. Congratulations, champion!”
Source: Getty Images
A few days later, he went to the Prefontaine Classic, where he broke his world record in the 1500m.
“Congratulations to Faith Kipyegon and Beatrice Chebet for setting new world records in the women’s 1500m and 5000m at the Prefontaine Classic. The country is proud of your efforts. The Kenyan flag and stature fly high today. Thank you!” said Raila.
Kipyegon went to Tokyo, where she won her fourth world title at the 2025 World Athletics Championships. She followed it up with a silver medal in the women’s 5000m race as Kenya finished with 11 medals overall.
She has been nominated as the 2025 World Athlete of the Year.
Eliud Kipchoge mourns Raila
Previously, Eliud Kipchogewho is also a teammate of Kipyegon in Kaptagat, explained that he was very saddened by the death of the former Prime Minister.
“I am deeply saddened by the loss of Hon. Raila Odinga. He was the voice of the voiceless, the mystery of Kenyan politics, and a true believer in democracy. My sincere condolences to his family and all Kenyans. Rest in peace,” said the two-time Olympic marathon champion via Facebook.
European football club mourns Raila Odinga
In Romania, two European clubs held Raila for a while before their Women’s Superliga match.
Gloria Bistrita and Farul Constanta observed a minute’s silence around the center on Saturday, ahead of Raila’s funeral on Sunday.
Farul Constanta is home to two Harambee Starlets Enez Mango and Lilian Awuor.
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