Former Prime Minister the late Raila Odinga.
Musicians are releasing songs to honour the late ODM leader Raila Odinga, heartfelt tributes for some, and for others, a timely opportunity to ride the wave of national mourning.
Bien-Aimé Baraza has described Raila as a library of wisdom whose ideals must live on.
Singer Bien Aime Baraza of Sauti Sol.
“When an old man dies, the library burns,” he said.
“The only way to keep Baba’s library alive is to keep rooting for the things he stood for: truth, peace, and democracy. Let us not let the truth be silenced. Baba’s dying wish was that Kenya remains peaceful, so let us honour that.”
Bien noted that Raila’s legacy inspired him to value longevity, resilience, and visibility in his own career.
“Those are the pillars I wish to maintain: peace, truth, and resilience,” he said.
While the likes of Kevin Kioko, popularly known as Bahati, and Kennedy Ombima, known by his stage names King Kaka and Rabbit, have turned their grief into music, Bien said he would not be releasing a tribute song.
“I have my own ways of mourning,” he says. “Some of the rights we enjoy today as artists exist because of Baba’s struggles. Without him, we wouldn’t have been able to do songs like Tujiangalie as Sauti Sol.”
Kennedy Ombima, popularly known by his stage names King Kaka and Rabbit, is a Kenyan rapper, businessman and more recently film director.
“A tribute to Jowi Tinga Rao”, King Kaka has sung about Raila’s legacy. “The number of torture baba sijataja nyayo. The last fight in us Baba umeenda nayo. Jowi jowi, what have you done?” he rapped.
Bahati released a tribute song titled “Bye Bye Baba.” Part of his song captures the confusion of who will fill Raila’s shoes. “You didn’t tell us which leader for Nairobi is it, Babu or Sakaja? Baba, you didn’t tell us if it’s Jalas or Omondi in Lang’ata.”
In the song, the musician also expresses disbelief at the death: “Every corner of the country, your name is trending. You gave us hope, and now everyone is crying. Why did you leave without a word? We can’t believe you are gone.”
Speaking to Nation Lifestyle, Bahati said, “Baba’s death was very shocking. With the strength he had, I actually thought he would still be vying for the presidency in 2027.”
Bahati says he has known Raila throughout his musical career. “He was very supportive, not just to me, but many young artistes. When I joined politics and was vying for Mathare MP, he personally reached out and encouraged me.”
Bahati described him as vibrant and full of life.
“During the times I have graced his campaigns, he could wake up, dance, and laugh. I mean, Baba was just Baba. There was no other name,” he said.
Bongo artiste, Diamond Platnumz, also eulogised the passing of the former Prime Minister. Diamond wrote, “Mwenyezi Mungu ailaze roho yake mahali pema peponi. Ameen,” a prayer asking God to grant Raila eternal rest.
Tanzanian artist Diamond Platnumz of Wasafi Record label.
The Bongo Flava icon shared a close connection with the late ODM leader.
He performed at Raila’s final Azimio la Umoja rally at Moi Sports Centre, Kasarani, on August 6, 2022.
Jamaican dancehall star Vybz Kartel also paid tribute to the iconic leader.
In a TikTok post, the artiste, real name Adidja Palmer, shared a clip of himself lip-syncing to Raila’s speech, saying;
“No matter the disagreements, our vision and disappointments, we are to have a country first.”
Vybz Kartel - pictured in 2005 - was a global star, with hits including Clarks, Ramping Shop and Summer Time
AliKiba expressed solidarity with Kenyans, noting that Raila’s resilience and unwavering spirit had long inspired many.
“...In moments like these, words may not ease the pain, but please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Your strength and legacy will continue to guide and comfort those you have left behind,” he said.
Ugandan music legend Jose Chameleone also joined millions across the continent in mourning the late Raila.
Ugandan singer Jose Chameleone.
“My sincere condolences to my brothers and sisters in Kenya and to the entire Odinga family. The loss of Raila Odinga is not just a tragedy for his family and country, but for the entire African continent. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” the Valu Valu hitmaker said.
Luo Ohangla sensation Prince Indah also released a soulful tribute song in honour of the late Raila.
In the emotional track, Prince Indah begins with a heavy voice, saying, “I have a heavy heart, I’m sorrowful, I can’t talk much. I got the shocking news mid-morning.”
Prince Indah during a past live performance at Carnivore Restaurant in Nairobi.
The Ohangla star goes on to celebrate Raila’s lifelong achievements, from his role in championing multi-party democracy to being a Pan-Africanist whose influence extended beyond Kenya’s borders.
He also pays tribute to Raila’s family, acknowledging Mama Ida Odinga and their children for standing by him through decades of political struggle.
The song blends deep emotion with cultural rhythm, reflecting the collective grief and pride of the Luo community as they mourn their beloved “Baba.”
Tanzanian gospel singer Christina Shusho’s latest release, “Pumzika Baba,” is a heartfelt tribute to Raila, Kenya’s iconic political leader.
In the song, Shusho refers to Kenya as her second home, a sentiment that inspired her to compose the tribute as a way of mourning alongside the Kenyan people.
Tanzanian Gospel artiste Christina Shusho speaks during a past interview in Nairobi on December 28, 2023.
“My ministry has immensely grown through the support of my Kenyan family.
I stand with you as we celebrate this great son of Africa. I had to do this song for Kenyans.”
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