German Ambassador Sebastian Groth has honoured the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, recalling their final meeting in 2024, when they spoke German and discussed politics, history and Kenya’s future.
Germany has paid tribute to former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga on the first anniversary of his death, with its ambassador to Kenya, Sebastian Groth, reflecting on their final meeting and the lasting impression the veteran politician left on him.
In a statement shared by the German Embassy in Nairobi on Thursday, October 15, 2026, the embassy recalled Raila’s special connection with Germany, where he studied German in Leipzig and mechanical engineering in Magdeburg.
Groth said their final meeting took place in 2024, when much of their conversation was conducted in German. The two reminisced about earlier times and discussed politics, offering a glimpse into a relationship that extended beyond formal diplomatic engagements.
The ambassador also reflected on how much he learnt from Raila during their discussions, particularly about Kenya’s political landscape and African history.
The tribute came as Kenyans gathered to commemorate one year since Raila’s death on October 15, 2025, aged 80, while receiving medical treatment in India.
Raila Odinga’s Special Connection With Germany
Raila’s relationship with Germany dates back to his student years, when he pursued studies in the country before returning to Kenya.
He studied German in Leipzig and mechanical engineering in Magdeburg, experiences that established a lasting personal connection with the European nation.
His ability to speak German was evident during his August 2024 meeting with Groth and British High Commissioner Neil Wigan, when the diplomats engaged him on Kenyan politics, his student years in Germany and his vision for Africa.
Following that meeting, Groth publicly expressed admiration for Raila’s German-language skills and his understanding of political developments across the continent.
The ambassador’s anniversary tribute revisited that connection, highlighting a side of Raila’s life that was shaped not only by Kenyan politics but also by his education and international experiences.
German Ambassador Remembers Lessons From Raila
In recalling their final meeting, Groth highlighted the depth of their conversations, which covered politics, memories of the past and Kenya’s history.
The ambassador said he gained valuable insights from Raila about the country’s political landscape and African history.
The German Embassy described the late politician as a Pan-African visionary whose influence extended beyond Kenya.
“One year on, we honour his memory and extend our heartfelt thoughts to all Kenyans remembering his life and legacy,” the embassy said in its anniversary message.
The statement added an international dimension to the tributes marking Raila’s first death anniversary, recognising his relationships with foreign diplomats and his engagement with questions affecting Africa beyond national borders.
Raila’s Political Legacy Continues to Draw Tributes
Raila spent decades at the centre of Kenyan politics, becoming one of the country’s most influential opposition leaders and a prominent figure in campaigns for multiparty democracy and constitutional reform.
He served as Kenya’s Prime Minister from 2008 to 2013 under the Grand Coalition Government and remained active in national and continental affairs long after leaving office.
His political journey also included his unsuccessful bid for the African Union Commission chairmanship in 2025, which brought him into contact with leaders and diplomats across the continent and beyond.
His death in October 2025 prompted tributes from Kenyan political leaders, international institutions and supporters who remembered his contribution to public life.
On Thursday, October 15, 2026, thousands of mourners gathered at Migwena Cultural and Sports Ground in Bondo, Siaya County, to mark the first anniversary of his death. The event brought together members of the Odinga family, political leaders and supporters to celebrate his life and legacy.
Germany’s tribute joined those commemorations, recalling Raila not only as a prominent Kenyan statesman but also as a man whose education, language skills and understanding of African affairs helped shape his relationships with people from different parts of the world.
One year after his death, the ambassador’s recollections offer a reminder of the personal connections that existed behind Raila’s long public career and the international relationships that formed part of his legacy.
