In Tribute to the Late Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga: Celebrating Democratic Peace, Leadership and Africa’s Development

By Mazi Godson Azu

The 11th Annual London Political Summit and Awards (LPSA) 2026 concluded on Wednesday, 14 October 2026, following three days of high-level engagements involving political leaders, diplomats, government representatives, business stakeholders and civil society actors. Held in tribute to the late Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga, affectionately known as Baba, the Summit culminated in an International Awards Gala Dinner Reception celebrating outstanding leadership, democratic governance, peacebuilding and sustainable development.

The 2026 edition carried particular significance as it marked the first anniversary of the passing of Raila Odinga, the Summit’s late Global Grand Patron, whose legacy of Pan-Africanism, democratic reform, political reconciliation and regional cooperation continues to inspire leaders across Africa and beyond.

The programme opened with a Business Dialogue at the Institute of Directors, London, on 12 October, followed by a special parliamentary session at the House of Commons, Westminster, on 13 October, hosted by the Rt. Hon. Oliver Ryan MP, Member of Parliament for Burnley. The Summit concluded with the International Awards Gala Dinner Reception at the Copthorne Tara Hotel, London Kensington, on 14 October.

Across the three days, discussions centred on Africa’s democratic and economic future, the relationship between peace and trade, accountable leadership, investment and stronger partnerships among governments, diplomatic missions, the private sector and development institutions.

A Solemn Tribute to Raila Odinga’s Democratic Legacy

A major highlight was the tribute to Raila Odinga delivered by Ambassador Dr. Josephine Ojiambo, former Kenya representative to the United Nations and former Commonwealth Deputy Secretary-General for Political Affairs, following a period of silence in his memory.

The tribute, titled “Raila Amolo Odinga: A Life Given to Parliamentary Democracy,” reflected on his decades of public service, his struggle for multiparty democracy in Kenya, his years of detention without trial, and his commitment to constitutional reform and peaceful political change.

It recalled his service as Prime Minister of Kenya from 2008 to 2013, following the disputed 2007 elections, and his role in the power-sharing settlement that helped restore stability and paved the way for the landmark 2010 Constitution.

The tribute also highlighted his 2018 reconciliation with former President Uhuru Kenyatta, demonstrating his belief that political opponents could pursue dialogue rather than remain trapped in confrontation. Beyond Kenya, his work as the African Union’s High Representative for Infrastructure Development reflected his commitment to regional integration and stronger economic connections across the continent.

The tribute concluded that Raila Odinga’s enduring contribution was not simply his pursuit of political office, but his determination to strengthen the democratic institutions through which leaders are elected, held accountable and succeeded.

Parliamentary Session Brings Together Political and Diplomatic Leaders

The parliamentary session at the House of Commons provided a significant forum for reflecting on democratic governance, political reconciliation and the late statesman’s contribution to African democracy.

The session featured remarks from the Rt. Hon. Oliver Ryan MP and the Rt. Hon. Afzal Khan MP, alongside diplomatic representatives, government officials, traditional rulers, academics and business leaders.

Distinguished participants included the High Commissioner of The Gambia to the United Kingdom; representatives of the Kenya High Commission, including Deputy High Commissioner Ambassador Irene Maswan and Head of Chancery Mr. Alifo; representatives of the governments of Benue and Sokoto States in Nigeria; HRH Oba Ambassador Dr. Olusegun Aderemi JP; HRM Obongwanwan Marie Erete; Professor Kishan Devani BEM; and Ambassador Dr. Josephine Ojiambo.

Following the welcome remarks by the Rt. Hon. Oliver Ryan MP, the Rt. Hon. Afzal Khan MP delivered the opening address. Further contributions came from representatives of The Gambia and Ghana High Commissions, the Benue State Government, represented by Hon. Dr. Margaret Adamu, Commissioner for Education and Knowledge Management, and the Sokoto State Government, represented by Deputy Governor His Excellency Engr. Idris Mohammed Gobir. The Deputy High Commissioner of Kenya also delivered remarks on behalf of the Kenyan High Commissioner and government.

In an emotional moment, Ambassador Irene Maswan proposed a minute of applause in honour of Raila Odinga. Participants responded enthusiastically, expressing collective respect for a statesman whose influence extended far beyond Kenya.

International Awards Gala Celebrates Distinguished Leadership

The International Awards Gala Dinner Reception brought together political leaders, diplomats, government representatives, community champions and award recipients from Africa and the United Kingdom.

Among those attending were the Worshipful Mayor of the London Borough of Islington, Councillor Rosaline Ogunro; the High Commissioner of The Gambia to the United Kingdom, Her Excellency Dr. Fatou Bensouda; Deputy High Commissioner of Kenya, Ambassador Irene Maswan; Sokoto State Deputy Governor, His Excellency Engr. Idris Mohammed Gobir; Benue State representative, Hon. Dr. Margaret Adamu; Professor Kishan Devani BEM; Ambassador Dr. Josephine Ojiambo; HRH Oba Ambassador Dr. Olusegun Aderemi JP; Professor Erinma Bell MBE DL; Professor Elewachi Okike; and Mrs. Bisi Adebayo, among other distinguished guests.

The evening was anchored by Ms. Rosé Graham.

Proceedings opened with the national anthems of the United Kingdom, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Ghana, The Gambia and Kenya, reflecting the international character of the gathering. Guests subsequently observed a minute of silence in memory of the late Raila Odinga.

Summit Convener Mazi Godson Azu welcomed the guests and expressed appreciation to participating governments, diplomatic missions, political leaders, business stakeholders, partners and community representatives.

He reaffirmed the Summit’s commitment to promoting democratic peace, accountable leadership, trade and investment, environmental protection, climate resilience and international cooperation.

The High Commissioner of Gambia to the United Kingdom, receiving her Award

Gambian High Commissioner Delivers Keynote Address

The keynote address was delivered by Her Excellency Dr. Fatou Bensouda, High Commissioner of The Gambia to the United Kingdom.

Her address emphasised the importance of peace, justice, equality, women’s empowerment and economic cooperation in achieving sustainable development. She called for greater opportunities for women to participate meaningfully in leadership, business and public life.

She also underscored the importance of strengthening trade and productive partnerships rather than relying excessively on aid, highlighting the need for African countries to build sustainable economic relationships that create opportunities for their citizens.

Her remarks aligned with the Summit’s broader message that lasting development depends on inclusive leadership, strong institutions, productive trade and mutually beneficial international partnerships.

Raila Odinga Honoured Posthumously as President Ruto Receives Africa President of the Year Award

One of the evening’s defining moments was the posthumous presentation of the Raila–Uhuru Africa Peace Accord Award to the late Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga, recognising his contributions to democratic engagement, political reconciliation, peacebuilding and Pan-African cooperation.

The Summit also presented the LPSA Africa President of the Year 2026 Award to His Excellency Dr. William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya, in recognition of the leadership and initiatives highlighted by the organisers.

Both awards were received on behalf of the Kenyan principals by Deputy High Commissioner Ambassador Irene Maswan, accompanied by Ambassador Dr. Josephine Ojiambo.

Her Excellency Amb. Irene the Deputy High Commissioner of Kenya to the United Kingdom receiving the Awards for Late Odinga and President Ruto, supported by Amb. Ojiambo.

The presentations were conducted by the Worshipful Mayor of Islington, Councillor Rosaline Ogunro, with support from the Gambian High Commissioner, Dr. Fatou Bensouda; Sokoto State Deputy Governor, Engr. Idris Mohammed Gobir; and Benue State representative, Hon. Dr. Margaret Adamu.

Hon. Dr. Margaret Adamu, receiving the Benue State Governor’s Award, with the state delegation.

The two honours reinforced a central message of the Summit: the importance of recognising the contributions of statesmen who championed reconciliation while encouraging contemporary leaders to advance peace, accountable governance and sustainable development.

Benue and Sokoto Governors Receive Subnational Leadership Awards

The Summit also recognised the leadership of two Nigerian state governors for their contributions to subnational development.

His Excellency Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, Governor of Benue State, received two awards through his representative, Hon. Dr. Margaret Adamu, Commissioner for Education and Knowledge Management.

The honours included recognition as LPSA Africa Subnational Governor of the Year 2025/2026, reflecting the Summit’s recognition of the state government’s reported efforts in education, peaceful coexistence and public development.

Similarly, His Excellency Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto, Governor of Sokoto State, received the LPSA Africa Subnational Governor of the Year 2026 Award for infrastructure and social development. The award was received on his behalf by the Deputy Governor, His Excellency Engr. Idris Mohammed Gobir.

The awards highlighted the important role of state governments in improving public services, expanding educational opportunities, strengthening infrastructure and advancing development at the grassroots level.

Renewing the Commitment to Peace, Partnership and African Development

As the 11th London Political Summit and Awards concluded, its tribute to Raila Odinga served as a reminder of the enduring relationship between democracy, peace and development.

The Summit joined the Odinga family, the people of Kenya and admirers of the late statesman across Africa and the international community in commemorating the first anniversary of the passing of its Global Grand Patron.

Through its parliamentary dialogue, diplomatic engagement, business discussions and international awards, LPSA 2026 reaffirmed its commitment to the principles associated with Raila Odinga’s legacy: democratic participation, peaceful political competition, reconciliation, Pan-African solidarity and economic cooperation.

Ultimately, the Summit’s message was clear: Africa’s sustainable progress requires principled leadership, strong democratic institutions and partnerships that transform peace into opportunities for trade, investment and shared prosperity.