ODM leader Raila Odinga has described the death of The Most Reverend Desmond Tutu as something that closes an important chapter in Africa’s long and painful struggle for justice, liberty, and democracy, as well the continent’s current efforts to create prosperity and stand to find its competitive edge in the rest of the world.
In a statement on Sunday, the former prime minister said Tutu belonged to the generation of African leaders who confronted wrong whenever it happened and never tired of pursuing what is right for South Africans and the human race as a whole.
”He was in the category of African leaders who regarded fighting for freedom, justice, democracy, and dignity particularly for the downtrodden, as a calling, a duty, and a lifelong mission. He championed the Revolution Theology which meant using the pulpit to fight the Apartheid regime,” Mr. Odinga’s statement read in part, with the ODM boss detailing how Tutu’s powerful and principled leadership of his country’s Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission has since become a model for many African nations that are trying to overcome their divided and unequal past.
Read: Stop ordering Kenyans to elect Raila, Rigathi Gachagua to Dr. Matiangi
At the height of the country’s post-poll chaos of 2007, Raila said the late anti-apartheid hero was among the first leaders to arrive in Kenya to help contain the situation following the contested presidential elections.
”He was among the first leaders to arrive in Kenya when post-election violence erupted here following the 2007 elections. His reason for coming was simple and complex at the same time. He said “ when a neighbour’s house is on fire, you don’t wait to be invited. You just fetch water and start putting out the fire.”
Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Nobel Peace Prize laureate and veteran of South Africa’s struggle against white minority rule died aged 90 on Sunday.
“The passing of Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu is another chapter of bereavement in our nation’s farewell to a generation of outstanding South Africans who have bequeathed us a liberated South Africa,” South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced.
