- Kenyans have been sharing videos of the former prime minister, Raila Odinga, after the public announcement of his death
- Footage of Raila singing his favourite song, Jamaican Farewell by Harry Belafonte, went viral
- Following this, another never-before-released video of him singing the same song in Kiswahili has been released, sparking reactions among Kenyans
Faith Chandianya, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya
The former prime minister Raila Odinga, passed away at the Devamatha Hospital in India, where he had gone for treatment.
Source: Facebook
Ever since the public announcement of his death, Kenyans, including politicians, have been sharing videos of him.
Others have been sharing screenshots of their last conversations with the late political veteran.
What was Raila’s favourite song?
Among the videos shared was one of Raila singing the Jamaican farewell song by Harry Belafonte.
Raila’s love for the song was immense to the extent that it became his signature song during some of his political rallies.
Videos of Raila singing the English version of the song went viral, and now, never-before-seen footage of him singing the song in Kiswahili has been released.
In the footage, Raila was captured seated, dressed in a floral, long-sleeved shirt, before he began singing the song in Kiswahili.
“Nimetoka kwenda safari, nilimuacha wangu pekee. Nilipofika kumbe safari, chukua kalamu na kusema. Nimemuacha wangu pekee yake, sikujua siku ya kurudi lakini mpenzi usitie shaka lazima nitarudi,” Raila sang.
How did Kenyans react to Raila’s video?
Kenyans took to their social media platforms to react to Raila’s video, with some terming him a romantic man.
Others paid emotional tributes to the former prime minister as they expressed their love for him.
Irungu_:
“Tears flowing, I didn’t know I loved Baba this bad.
Deeleilahassan:
“Halafu alijua Kiswahili sanifu.”
Kabura_maina:
“Rip Baba, you will forever be missed.”
Linktocaro:
“Our legend was a romantic man.”
Siso_bruno:
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“Mahn. So Sad.”
Wicklifawour:
“Naona hizi video natokwa na machozi.”
What else you need to know about Raila’s death
Ruto leads Kenyans in singing Raila’s song
The release of the Kiswahili version of Raila’s favourite song came hours after President William Ruto led Kenyans in singing Jamaican Farewell in English.
Source: Facebook
Ruto had to pause his lengthy tribute to Raila so he could sing the song.
He also described the melody as one of longing and gentle sorrow. The head of state recalled how Raila often sang and danced to the song, with a big smile on his face
Ruto recited the lyrics as he brought the audience into a shared moment of nostalgia.
Political leaders, including former president Uhuru Kenyatta, were captured dancing to the tune as it played at the Nyayo Stadium.
Proofreading by Asher Omondi, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
