Baba, Your Tears Are Our Tears: Top Lawyer Donald Kipkorir’s Moving Tribute To Raila
Top Kenyan lawyer Donald Kipkorir has penned a moving tribute to celebrate Raila Odinga. Kipkorir has always supported Raila in his presidential runs. He posted the tribute on his Facebook Page:
Dear H.E Raila Odinga,
Many a time, many a year, you never witnessed the birthday parties of Fidel, Rosemary, Winnie and Junior because you were either in detention or exile. Many were the nights that Mama Ida slept alone in a cold bed. Your family suffered the brutal brunt of the Deep State as you sacrificed your life to fight for democracy in our country. In your suffering, they made you have permanent tears. Many don’t know why you wipe tears all the time.
Your Presidency was to user in a new epoch in our History. It was to pass the baton from the Kalenjin-Kikuyu duopoly. It was to shatter the glass ceiling that has made the other 40 tribes believe they don’t deserve of the highest office in the land. It was to be entry to Canaan.
During your entire political life, your charisma and generosity has mentored many politicians from obscurity to high table of politics. You have given a ladder to those we may never have known. Each election year, you brought a new generation of leaders. There is no part of Kenya that you haven’t opened pathways for new leaders.
Despite using your name, power and networks to get elected to political offices, many never reciprocated. They made sure their votes were protected but never protected yours. Many even stole the money that was to used for campaigns or polling agents. On being elected, many turned their backs on you. You never gave up. You never got tired. You didn’t stop mentoring new leaders.
I don’t know what your future plans are. But you are the President we never had. The tears you shed are etched in our hearts. We celebrate you everyday. I am sorry that my generation failed you. This generation celebrates your sacrifice but are cowardly in letting you be their President. The time will come, when they will gnash their teeth in regret.
As William Shakespeare said:
By how much unexpected, by so much
We must awake endeavour for defence;
For courage mounteth with occasion
I salute Your Excellency. You have done more for this country than any other person alive or dead. Don’t sacrifice more of your life, time or treasure. Enjoy your time with your family. Your love for Kenyans has been unrequited. You looked out for Kenyans. If they want you, let them look out for you.
May the Lord bless thee, and keep thee:
May the Lord make his face shine upon thee,
May the Lord be gracious unto thee:
May the Lord lift up his countenance upon thee
May the Lord give thee peace.
Donald B Kipkorir
