- Young school children moved Kenyans to tears with a poem and dance tribute to Raila Odinga during Mashujaa Day at Ithookwe Stadium
- Dressed in white, they performed in honour of Raila’s legacy, forming the words “Shujaa Raila” before reciting a heartfelt poem
- Raila’s favourite song, Jamaica Farewell, played as the KDF plane that ferried his body to Kisumu made a final fly-past
TUKO.co.ke journalist Harry Ivan Mboto has over three years of experience reporting on politics and current affairs in Kenya
The Mashujaa Day crowd at Ithookwe Stadium fell silent as a group of young school children, dressed in pure white, took to the field to honour the late Raila Odinga.
Source: UGC
Their graceful dance and heartfelt poem turned the celebration into a touching tribute that left many wiping away tears.
It was Kenya’s first Mashujaa Day without Raila, a man whose name had long been tied to the struggle for democracy and justice. Through rhythm, verse, and emotion, the performance captured the spirit of a leader many saw as a true national hero.
The children danced in smooth formations across the newly built stadium, finally arranging themselves to spell out the words “Shujaa Raila.”
Then came a moment of stillness before their voices rose in unison to recite a moving poem dedicated to him.
Poem recited for Raila during Mashujaa Day 2025
Raila wetu, lala, lala salama
Baba wetu, lala, lala salama
Lala salama Raila shujaa, mwanga wa taifa letu
Ulipigania haki na umoja, ukawasha taa ya utu
Sauti yako imenyamaza, lakini roho yako yaishi
Haki woiyee, Wakenya tutakumiss,
Urithi wako daima, daima, daima utadumu
Twajivunia shujaa, Raila Amolo Odinga
Uliwapenda watu wote, bila kuwabagua
Raila Odinga hoiyee, shujaa mwenye maono
Kwaheri shujaa wetu, jina lako hatutalisahau
Giant screens around the stadium played clips of Raila singing his favourite tune, The Jamaican Farewell by Don Williams. The melody drifted through the air as the children finished their poem, leaving the audience in an emotional hush.
How the KDF honoured Raila during Mashujaa Day 2025
Moments earlier, the Kenya Defence Forces had dazzled spectators with synchronised parades and skillful air manoeuvres by the Kenya Air Force.
The atmosphere turned solemn when the same military aircraft that had carried Raila’s body from Nairobi to Kisumu flew past the stadium.
The plane, code-named ENIGMA01 during the operation, made a slow, graceful fly-past as the master of ceremony invited Kenyans to applaud the crew for ensuring Raila received a dignified farewell.
Raila was laid to rest on Sunday, October 19, at his ancestral home in Kang’o Ka Jaramogi, Bondo, Siaya county.
His burial followed farewell service at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST), attended by President William Ruto, former president Uhuru Kenyatta, and Nigeria’s former president Olusegun Obasanjo, among other dignitaries.
Source: Facebook
How Ruto honoured Raila on Mashujaa Day
During the event, President William Ruto also paid tribute to Raila. The president recognised Raila’s long political journey and his contribution to unity and democracy in Kenya, marking the moment as a key highlight of the national event.
Ruto conferred upon Raila the Order of the Golden Heart of Kenya, First Class – Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart (C.G.H.), the country’s highest civilian award.
The honour placed Raila among Kenya’s foremost national heroes, acknowledged under the authority of the Public Seal.
Proofreading by Jackson Otukho, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
