Senator Karen Nyamu has penned an emotional tribute to the late former prime minister Raila Odinga, admitting that Kenyans are only now realising how much they depended on his larger-than-life presence in public life.
Writing on Facebook on Tuesday, September 15, the nominated senator shared her thoughts as the country approaches the one-year mark since Baba’s passing.
What did Karen Nyamu say about missing Raila?
“Nobody mixed politics, humour and vibes like Raila Odinga. Most importantly, he had an agenda for the country,” she wrote.
Reflecting on his upcoming 1-year death anniversary, she added:
“In exactly a month, it will be a year of Kenya without Baba. We didn’t know how much we’d miss him.”
Raila died on October 15, 2025, at the age of 80. He suffered a cardiac arrest during a morning walk at an Ayurvedic hospital in Kochi, Kerala, India, where he had been receiving treatment.
His death caught many off guard, as his family had earlier reassured the public that he was on the road to recovery.
Following his death, President William Ruto declared seven days of national mourning, with flags flown at half-mast across the country.
Raila’s body was repatriated to Nairobi with full military honours, and he was accorded a State Funeral before being buried on October 18, 2025, at his ancestral home in Bondo, Siaya County, in line with his reported wish for a swift burial.
Will Raila Odinga be honoured on October 15?
As the first anniversary approaches, two separate programmes have taken shape.
The Odinga family, through a coordinating committee chaired by Raila’s long-serving political adviser Prof. Adams Oloo, has asked that the week of October 15 be marked with events that bring together supporters from different communities and generations.
Meanwhile, the Orange Democratic Movement has dedicated the entire month of October 2026 to honouring his legacy under the banner “Mwezi wa Baba.”
The programme is set to kick off on October 2, 2026, with a nationwide candle-lighting ceremony, followed by rallies in counties including Kakamega and Garissa, centred on his Pan-African ideals and democratic struggles.
See the post below:
Kenyans react
Nyamu’s post drew an outpouring of responses from Kenyans who clearly share her sentiment.
Dav Holy wrote:
“The impressive part is he left his spirits to Sifuna. May Almighty bless and guide Edwin.”
Eugene Ndezwa said:
“Sijawahi heal… continue resting in peace Great Man.”
Ann Wanjiku Gachuki reflected:
“Now imagine 2032 without Raila and Ruto in politics siasa imesha taste kabisa sutawai vote tena.”
Ngenoh Kips added:
“I miss Baba May Jakom continue resting in power.”
