“There’s no formula for mourning Baba.”
These are the words of political strategist Willis Otieno as he reflects on the life and legacy of Raila Amollo Odinga, the man many call Kenya’s Moses.
In this special tribute episode of Fanya Mambo with Sarah Mwangi, Otieno delivers a personal and historical remembrance of Raila Odinga — not just as a political figure, but as a spiritual force whose influence transcended the presidency, state protocol, and generational boundaries.
🇰🇪 Raila Odinga: The Spirit That Held Kenya Together
Otieno describes Raila’s passing not as a death, but an ascension to the next realm. And with that departure, Kenya is left not only with grief but with a deep spiritual vacuum.
“He didn’t need to be president to lead. Baba held the nation together simply by being Baba.”
From his legendary nine-year detention without trial, to his defiant 2018 swearing-in at Uhuru Park, Raila proved that the power of conviction can shape a nation more profoundly than any office ever could.
🧭 From Political Liberation to Economic Freedom
Otieno carefully traces Raila’s role in Kenya’s second liberation — the fight for multi-party democracy, free speech, and constitutional reform. According to him, that era culminated in the 2010 Constitution, which gave Kenyan citizens the right to speak, protest, and vote freely.
But Otieno insists that today’s fight has shifted to a new frontier: economic emancipation. And just like Moses, Raila may not have entered the “Canaan” he fought for — but he prepared the way for those who will.
“Now begins the third liberation — and Raila gave Gen Z the tools to finish the work.”
🔥 The Swearing-In That Changed Everything
One of the most powerful sections of the episode details the inside story of Raila’s 2018 People’s President swearing-in, which Otieno helped organize. Surrounded by pressure from global leaders like Magufuli and Obama, facing threats of treason and death — Raila still showed up, stood tall, and declared allegiance to the people.
“He knew he could die. He did it anyway. That’s who Baba was.”
🌍 A Leader Beyond Borders
The episode also explores Baba’s international friendships, his warmth, humility, and ability to build lasting relationships with everyone — from watchmen to world presidents.
“If you wanted to punish Raila, just lock him in a meeting. He belonged to the people.”
From his iconic Kangol hat as a revolutionary, to his Fedora as a father figure, Raila’s style evolved — but his purpose never did. He was the people’s compass, Kenya’s north star, and a torchbearer for every young activist, idealist, and dreamer.
🕊️ Legacy of a Giant
“You don’t replace Raila Odinga. You live by his spirit.”
In the final reflections, Otieno warns that Kenya’s political landscape will undergo a tectonic shift. Many ODM leaders who clung to Raila’s name will fall. But new voices — the Joshua and Calebs of this generation — will rise.
And when they do, it will be because Baba walked so they could run.
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