Bondo Bishop Rebukes Looters, Handouts Culture During Raila’s State Funeral

Fiery sermon by Rt Rev Prof. David Kodia draws thunderous applause as he condemns corruption and money-driven politics

NAIROBI, Kenya – A wave of thunderous applause and emotional reactions swept through Nyayo National Stadium on Friday when the Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Bondo delivered a fiery sermon that electrified thousands of mourners at the state funeral of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

Rt Rev Prof. David Kodia’s powerful message, which condemned corruption and the culture of handouts in Kenyan politics, struck a chord with the crowd as he called for moral renewal and justice in the nation.

Standing before a sea of mourners waving flags, twigs and white handkerchiefs, Bishop Kodia’s words cut through the air with prophetic force as he delivered what many described as both a sermon and a rallying cry.

“When we are proclaiming the word, we should not be fearful,” he began, his voice rising with conviction. “The word proclaimed must have the power to transform and renew our strength, for the liberation of a country from those who are looting everything from us, from the county levels to everywhere.”

The crowd erupted in cheers, whistling and clapping, with some mourners rising to their feet as if echoing the bishop’s warning against corruption. Others clapped rhythmically, shouting approval as the sermon gained momentum.

But Bishop Kodia was not done. In a moment that drew even louder reactions, he issued a direct warning to corrupt leaders present at the ceremony.

“I want us to make a testament with the people of Kenya. If there is anyone here, at whatever level, be you a governor, an MCA, whoever it is who has looted this country, you know you stand the chance to be condemned,” he declared.

The crowd roared in approval, with mourners jumping to their feet and waving white handkerchiefs toward the sky. The atmosphere shifted from mourning to defiant reflection, a fusion of grief and political truth.

The bishop also took aim at what he termed the “bad manners” of Kenya’s current political class, lamenting the spread of a handout culture that has eroded integrity and genuine public service.

“Baba never used the power of money to intimidate people or lure followers,” Bishop Kodia said to resounding applause. “He used the power of persuasion, the power of the word. Today, we have bad manners among our politicians. They have taught our people the culture of handouts, where one is only seen in terms of what they can give.”

He praised Odinga’s integrity and commitment to principle, contrasting his leadership with the money-driven politics that have taken root in the country.

Revealing a recent personal encounter, Bishop Kodia said he had shared breakfast with Raila and Mama Ida Odinga barely a month before his passing, describing the ODM leader as “a man at peace with himself and with God.”

“I saw a humble servant who was ready to meet his Maker at any time,” he said. “He remained deeply connected to the church and committed to the values of justice, peace and unity.”

Turning his focus to the ideals that Raila embodied, Bishop Kodia reflected on the late leader’s lifelong pursuit of justice and nationhood.

“When we are talking about the person of the stature of Raila Amollo Odinga, we are seeing in him those strengths of justice which are yet to be won,” he said. “We are seeing in him those trends of peace which are yet to be achieved. The strengths of reconciliation are yet to be seen. We are seeing in him the Kenyanhood being at the centre of everything else.”

The bishop also called for moral renewal and unity among Kenyans, warning against tribalism and corruption that continue to divide the nation.

“Kenya is too small to be subdivided into tribes and regions,” he declared. “Let us see ourselves first as Kenyans, not as members of tribes or classes.”

Bishop Kodia commended President William Ruto for honouring Odinga with a state funeral, saying no leader was more deserving of national recognition.

By the time Bishop Kodia concluded with a solemn blessing, “May God lift you all as we bid farewell to Baba,” many in the audience were in tears. The sermon, though brief, captured the emotional heartbeat of the day, grief interwoven with a collective yearning for a just Kenya.

The state funeral brought together government officials, foreign dignitaries and thousands of ordinary Kenyans who came to pay their respects to the veteran opposition leader who spent decades fighting for democracy and justice in Kenya.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​