Standing ovation as Bishop Kodia delivers fiery sermon during Raila’s State Funeral service
Thousands of mourners who had thronged the Nyayo Stadium on Friday, October 17, were charged up and animated following the fiery sermon delivered by Prof. David Kodia, Bishop of the Anglican, Bondo Diocese, during the State Funeral Service of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
In his sermon, the Bishop pointed an accusing finger at politicians who used their positions in power to loot the country instead of serving the nation.
He noted that such characters did not embody Raila’s clarion call for the country’s liberation.
“When we’re proclaiming the Word, we should not be fearful. Word proclaimed must have the power to transform, to make us renewed in our strength in the liberation of our country from those who are looting everything from us, from the country level to everywhere,” he stated amidst the crowd’s cheer.
“If there’s anyone here, at whatever level, be a governor, MCA, who has looted this country, you know you stand the chance to be condemned.”
The bishop referenced politicians who had stooped low by allowing Kenya to become a hub of corruption. He noted that such habits transformed the society into a ‘culture of handouts’ in exchange for service delivery.
“The question is how do we apply the power to proclaim what God has given us for the good of the nation, of humanity. Baba is one such politician who 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 that whatever you want, you must part with money and woe unto those who drive with big vehicles, you’re in big trouble,” the bishop noted.
“Baba never used the power of his wallet as a convincing tool to others, but he used the power of persuasion. He used the power of the word. Let’s allow ourselves to be used by God so that the power He gave us is the power that is correcting, reconciling and rebuking what is evil.”
“How many can fit in the shoes of Raila Odinga today? How many?”
Following his sermon, the crowd gave the bishop a standing ovation as they waved the Kenyan flag.
Raila’s State Funeral Service was attended by government officials and foreign dignitaries, led by Ethiopian President Taye Selassie and former Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete.
Characterized as the enigma, Raila’s family reminisced about him as a firebrand who fought for the country’s democracy.
Following the state funeral service, the public will be accorded an opportunity to view the body before it’s moved to his Karen home for an overnight stay. On Saturday, the leaves Nairobi for Kisumu for public viewing at Jomo Kenyatta Stadium, Mamboleo.
Raila’s burial is set for Sunday in his hometown in Bondo.
