Harare,  (New Ziana) — President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Wednesday paid glowing tribute to the late Kenyan opposition leader and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, describing him as one of the most outstanding African nationalists and a towering figure in the liberation and post-independence story of the continent.

Addressing the media after signing the book of condolences at the Kenyan embassy in Harare, President Mnangagwa said the late Odinga’s legacy would endure as an inspiration to generations of African leaders.

“Well, he is one of the outstanding African nationalists. We recognise him both in Southern and Eastern Africa. He played his part in moulding the modern independent African states. He was a solid Pan-Africanist. When we grew up, we emulated his vision and his speeches. He was indeed a revolutionary, and we do respect him,” he said.

President Mnangagwa said Africa’s current and future leaders should continue to draw lessons from the values and vision laid down by the continent’s founding fathers, among them Odinga, Kenneth Kaunda, Jomo Kenyatta, and Julius Nyerere.

“The path and foundation built by these great men remain the cornerstone of the African Union’s vision. We are all following in their footsteps as we continue to shape the destiny of our continent,” he said.

Odinga, widely regarded as one of Africa’s most influential statesmen, passed away on Wednesday last week aged 80. Tributes poured in from across the continent and beyond, celebrating his decades-long commitment to democracy, Pan-Africanism, and the unity of African nations.

New Ziana