The Mashujaa Day celebrations in Kitui featured an emotional segment as crowds at Ithookwe Stadium watched a clip of the late Raila Odinga, singing the song, “Jamaica Farewell”.
The video, played at the start of the entertainment segment and showed a lighter, more personal side of the statesman many knew as a political powerhouse.
Raila’s death on October 15 marked the end of an era for Kenya’s political landscape.
His state funeral, which included two public viewings in Nairobi at the Kasarani Stadium and at the Mamboleo Stadium in Kisumu, drew thousands from across the country.
On Sunday, after a funeral service held at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University attended by President William Ruto, Former President Uhuru Kenyatta and Former Nigerian President Oluṣẹgun Ọbasanjọ, he was laid to rest at Kang’o Ka Jaramogi, his ancestral home in Bondo.
During the Mashujaa Day celebrations, President William Ruto led the nation in honouring Raila as a Shujaa of Kenya, praising his lifelong dedication to justice, unity, and reform.
“The first lesson that Baba taught us is to put country above self. Time and again, he reminded us that no disagreement is greater than our unity, no ambition more important than our peace, and no personal interest higher than the welfare of our nation,’ said President Ruto. “For Agwambo, the spectre of a failed State was too grave to contemplate. He understood that leadership is not about personal pride, but about preserving the Republic; not about victory in politics, but about preserving the stability of Kenya.”
