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Pulvis et cinis
Even the stars fade to ashes
In memory of the Lion of Africa
Today I pause to pay tribute to Baba Raila Amolo Odinga—Africa’s greatest son since Nelson Mandela—who has passed on.
It is no easy task to eulogize this enigma, a man whose constant presence we once took for granted, assuming he would always be with us.
I had the privilege of first encountering him in the pages of history books and later meeting him in person. Though I was a nobody, he granted me an audience with a humility that was truly remarkable. He touched the heavens while keeping his feet firmly rooted on the ground—a feat unmatched by any other figure since Jesus, to the best of my knowledge.
While Michael Wamalwa succeeded in taking Jaramogi’s “Simba” from Raila, Tinga, as he was fondly called, tamed the Kenyan psyche and won the hearts of Africans far and wide.
Yet, this towering statesman was often misunderstood, inspiring both fervent admiration and intense opposition—Railamania versus Railaphobia.
Sadly, the Gen Z, who aspired to be tribeless revolutionaries and propel the nation forward, succumbed to the same Raila dichotomy, particularly Railaphobia. Whether they will ever seize the opportunity to liberate the nation remains to be seen.
Much has been said about Baba’s political legacy. Let us now reflect on his closest allies—from Otieno Kajwang to Anyang’ Nyong’o to James Orengo. No one understood Raila better than Orengo, who could distinguish the man’s earthly flaws from his noble spirit. Raila’s body might have sinned, as all humans do, but his spirit remained pure. Perhaps this is why Orengo often turned a blind eye to his friend’s human frailties. Many on social media eagerly await Orengo’s eulogy for his best friend. However, Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o is the one to watch. Having known Baba for most of his adult life, the two were contemporaries who, despite once standing on opposite sides of the political spectrum, reconciled as fate would have it.
Though Raila never became president—thwarted by a manipulable democratic system—he pushed the boundaries of legal and political reform to their limits. It is disheartening that some, who would still need to crowdfund for a wedding, dare to disparage him. They fail to recognize that the freedoms they enjoy today are, in large part, thanks to his relentless efforts. As a wise man once said, ignorance in the 21st century is a personal choice—and what a choice it is!
As we bid farewell to this enigma, releasing him to join his ancestors, we pray that his transition serves as a rallying call to end tribalism. After corruption, tribalism remains the second-worst cancer afflicting our great nation.
Rest in Power, Baba. My heartfelt condolences to Mama Ida, Rosemary, Raila Jr., and Winnie.
Mosna Otieno K’ajwang’ gi Shikuku.
Jowi! Jowi! Jowi!
English
