Few figures have shaped Kenya’s conscience or carried its unyielding hope as profoundly as Raila Amolo Odinga. Through imprisonment, torture, and exile, he became not only an opposition leader, but the very embodiment of defiance during the oppressive years of one-party rule. For this, he paid a heavy personal price in the struggle for multi-party democracy, steadfastly advocating for our collective freedoms.

To me—and, I believe, to many Kenyans—his principles reflected the Kenya we want. It’s why, in every presidential election for which I’ve been eligible to vote, I have cast my ballot for Raila. And so, I must admit, this past year I felt betrayed by his decision to cooperate with William Ruto’s government, at a time when our country’s hard-won gains are under threat and political pluralism remains crucial.

However, in reflecting on his passing, I have come to realise that perhaps this decision was not a betrayal, but rather an expression of his enduring belief in dialogue and collaboration as paths to national stability.

As I remember Baba, the People’s President, it feels almost impossible to eulogise him adequately, so I borrow from his longtime friend, James Orengo:

“Raila Odinga, Baba, a name that shaped our nation’s history and lives on in the hearts of every Kenyan. A titan, a patriot, an icon. Rest in Power, Jakom.”

This much-loved and well-worn kanga was given to ODM supporters in Kawangware during the 2022 presidential campaign.