Exclusive: Odinga speaks from South Africa

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga on Saturday morning met with South Africa's Deputy President David Mabuza, International Relations Minister Lindiwe Sisulu, former President Thabo Mbeki, Paulino José Macaringue, and a host of other dignitaries ahead of the Winnie Mandela Memorial at Orlando Stadium. Odinga on Friday morning left for South Africa to attend the funeral of anti-apartheid icon Winnie Mandela.Winnie, the ex-wife of the former South African president Nelson Mandela died on April 2 at a Johannesburg hospital after a long illness. Upon arrival, Odinga, his wife Ida Odinga and daughter Winnie, were received by Amb. Jean N. Kamau, High Commissioner of Kenya to South Africa.They also had a chance to meet with the former President of Malawi Bakili Muluzi. Shortly after meeting the leaders where they had a chat, Odinga acknowledged women's fight for freedom and democracy, citing Winnie Mandela."We can say without fear of contradiction that all the struggles of the African woman for the liberation of Africa and our individual countries are summed up in the life and experiences of Winnie Mandela: personal, passionate, painful, inspiring and disruptive but ultimately rewarding to our people," Raila posted through his social media accounts.She said the late Winnie remained in memories of the people who watched her struggle."Winnie remains in eternal memory of those who watched her struggles and experiences dispassionately and from a distance," said the opposition leader. "She gave South Africa her all, gained much in terms of bringing freedom to her people, and lost so much at a personal level in the process. Hamba Kahle Mama Winnie Madikizela Mandela!" he added.Winnie Mandela would be laid to rest at the exclusive Fourways Memorial Park on Saturday, April 14, same place her late great-granddaughter Zenani Mandela was buried in 2010 following a car accident.