Kenya’s creative community is paying tribute to former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who President William Ruto described as “a peacemaker who always put country first.”
From musicians, filmmakers and comedians, tributes have poured in across social media, honouring him as a symbol of courage, unity, and cultural pride.
Jamaican dancehall musician, Vybz Kartel, paid tribute by sharing a video of himself online, quoting the former Premier with the caption, “RIP Raila “Baba” Odinga.”
In Kenya, Comedian Eric Omondi shared a video condoling with Mama Ida Odinga at her residence, captioning the video: “Visited our Mum this evening to mourn with her. Let’s keep her and the Family in our prayers. They need every strength in the world. Rest well Baba.”
Sharing a photo of Raila, musician Nadia Mukami wrote: “A dark Wednesday for Kenya and the whole of Africa. But as they say, True legends never die; they live on through their legacy. Rest in peace, a true statesman, a freedom fighter & voice of the people.”
Taking a more subtle approach, actress and newly appointed Global Goodwill Ambassador for the new Bill Gates & Friends social movement, Kate Kamau, posted a picture of Raila on her Instagram stories with the caption, “Fare thee well, Baba. Rest well, enigma.”
Adding his voice to the tributes, comedian Timothy Ndegwa, better known as Njugush, said, “Condolences to the family and friends. Such a dark day, damn it .He fought a good fight !!!! Rest in Peace.”
Taking a different approach, musician Prince Indah quoted Raila directly, writing, “I am ready for Africa, and I believe in the story of the African lion. The lion is an African animal; it is the king of the jungle.”
Additionally, he also released a statement cancelling all scheduled shows in honour of Mr Odinga’s passing.
“Following the demise of Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga, earlier this morning, we have postponed all our shows for this week and the subsequent ones until further notice,” he said. “Official communication will also come later concerning our scheduled album launch next month.”
Reflecting on the life of the late Mr Odinga, filmmaker Eddie Butita wrote, “Former prime minister Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga’s life was a story of courage, conviction, and an unbreakable belief that this country could always be better. He was jailed, misunderstood, and often opposed yet he never gave up on the dream of a just and united Kenya.”
Further adding that Mr Odinga’s life showed that leadership was about purpose.
“You didn’t have to agree with him to feel his impact. He shaped generations, inspired courage, and kept the spirit of democracy alive. Raila reminded us that leadership is not about power, but purpose. Sometimes you never win the race but you win the struggle. That hope, even when delayed, is never lost.”
Raila Odinga died in India at the age of 80 on Wednesday. He collapsed during a morning walk and was taken to Devamatha Hospital, about 50km (30 miles) east of the port city of Kochi.
The hospital said he had suffered a cardiac arrest, did not respond to resuscitation measures and was “declared dead at 09:52” local time (7.22 Kenyan time).
