A 22-year-old woman from Kisumu pushed through three days of physical pain and harsh conditions to complete a 72-hour pillar-hugging challenge in memory of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, known widely as Baba.
Lavender Wesonga crossed the finish line at 3.20 pm on October 12 at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Sports Complex, clutching the structure she had painted white to represent the peace she associated with the late opposition leader.
The number of hours was deliberate: 72 mirrored the period between Raila’s death and his burial.
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When Wesonga started the challenge on Friday, October 9, her resolve was clear. By Monday afternoon, however, the toll was evident: her feet were swollen and pale, and fatigue had set in after three sleepless days of endurance.
Immediately after finishing, she spoke about what the effort meant to her.
“I am happy to finish this challenge in honour of Raila Odinga. I will continue upholding his legacy. Baba loved everyone, regardless of where they came from, and I will miss him,” she said.
She was subsequently taken to Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital for medical attention.
Her father, who watched her complete the final hours, admitted he had doubted she would last the full three days. His relief was visible as she held on until the very end.
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Wesonga, who is currently unemployed, used the moment to appeal to the government and well-wishers to help her secure work, citing Raila as a leader who championed youth empowerment throughout his political life.
Raila’s younger sister, Emily Oginga, was among those who witnessed the challenge. She called on young Kenyans to continue the fight for good governance and meaningful change, arguing that Wesonga’s determination embodied exactly the values her brother had stood for.
“Raila once said that young people can be a blessing or a ticking time bomb,” Emily said, urging the youth to carry his vision forward.
She also pledged to support Wesonga in attending a candle-lighting ceremony scheduled for October 14.
Raila died on October 15, 2025, aged 80, while receiving medical treatment in India. He was buried at his family home in Bondo, Siaya County, following a state funeral and a period of national mourning.
As the first anniversary of his death approaches, the Orange Democratic Movement party has designated October as “Mwezi wa Baba,” rolling out commemorative events that have included a candle-lighting exercise in Nairobi on October 2 and a major memorial rally in Kakamega on October 9, drawing supporters from Kakamega, Vihiga, Busia, Bungoma and Trans Nzoia counties.
