- Jacque Maribe mourned Raila Odinga with an emotional tribute, invoking the Luo dirge ‘jowi jowi jowi’
- The media personality reflected on her connection to Raila’s legacy, mentioning her late friend Fidel and asking who will now lead the Luo community
- In her post, Maribe clarified not to be judged for using the Luo dirge due to her past association with her ex-boyfriend, Jowie
Media personality Jacque Maribe has expressed her grief following the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Source: Facebook
She paid a heartfelt tribute to the fallen veteran politician on her Instagram Stories.
The former Citizen TV presenter, known for her candid nature, found herself addressing her followers after invoking a traditional Luo dirge, “Jowi Jowi Jowi,” a chant usually used during moments of mourning within the Luo community.
“I can finally say Jowii Jowii Jowii without you all judging me. It is for my friend’s dad, the late Fidel,” Maribe wrote, referencing the late Fidel Odinga, Raila’s son, who passed away in 2015.
However, Maribe was quick to add a disclaimer, asking her followers not to judge her for invoking the chant, particularly due to her past association with her incarcerated ex-boyfriend, Joseph Irungu, also known as Jowie.
Jowie Irungu, who was sentenced to death in March 2024 for the murder of businesswoman Monica Kimani, has been at the centre of a high-profile case that also involved Maribe, who was acquitted of the murder charges.
Jowie’s conviction, which was for an intentional and premeditated murder, had led many to associate Maribe with the scandal, prompting her to caution her followers against making assumptions based on her past relationship.
“Please don’t judge me,” she added.
Source: Facebook
She explained that her use of the Luo dirge was a personal expression of grief and not tied to the controversies surrounding her past.
Her plea for understanding underscored her intent to honour the memory of the late Fidel Odinga and her respect for the Odinga family during their time of mourning.
In a subsequent Instagram post, Maribe posed a question to her Luo followers, reflecting on the political void left by Raila’s passing.
She asked who would rise as the new kingpin of the Luo community, a title that has long been associated with Baba’s leadership.
Maribe also revealed that she has a child with a Luo man, further cementing her connection to the community.
“It is finished. Now question, I’m asking all my Luo friends, and they are my family, nimewazalia. Who takes over as kingpin?” she asked.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
