Ida Odinga and EALA MP Oburu Oginga were in Dodoma to bid farewell to the late Tanzanian President John Pombe Magufuli. The state funeral was also attended by President Uhuru Kenyatta and other African Heads of State. The Odinga and Magufuli families developed strong ties after Raila Odinga and John Magufuli close to 20 years ago.
”To the people of Tanzania, President @SuluhuSamia and the family of @MagufuliJP take heart. I was deeply touched by the outpouring of love during the funeral service in Dodoma yesterday. On behalf of my family, once again accept our deepest condolences. Poleni sana,” Mrs Odinga tweeted.
”When rumours started going around about the health and whereabouts of my friend President John Pombe Magufuli, I placed several calls to him.
”Later, I sent him a text message. Both went unanswered. I then resigned to expect the worst while hoping I was wrong. When his death was confirmed as I was self- isolating after testing positive for Covid-19, I felt the full weight of double tragedy and emotions dealt by the cruel hand of fate. It was the worst time to lose a friend and a comrade,” ODM leader Raila Odinga wrote on Sunday, in a glowing tribute to the late president.