After three tense days of silence and growing pressure from Kenyans online, former U.S. President Barack Obama has finally broken his silence on the death of Raila Odinga, just hours before the symbolic 72-hour “mourning deadline” expired.

In a heartfelt message posted in the dead of night, Obama described the late Raila as “a true champion of democracy” and “a child of independence” who endured decades of struggle for Kenya’s freedom.

“I personally saw him put the interests of his country ahead of his own ambitions,” Obama said, adding that Raila’s courage and commitment to peaceful reconciliation made him a model not just for Kenya, but for Africa and the world.

He concluded by sending condolences to Raila’s family and the people of Kenya, signing off jointly with his wife, Michelle.

The message brought relief to thousands of Kenyans who had flooded Obama’s social media pages, demanding a tribute to the man many consider Africa’s greatest opposition leader.

At last, the son of Kogelo has spoken and his words carried both weight and warmth.