- Julius Kamau Kimani, Raila Odinga’s barber, recounted fond memories of the late political leader
- The 47-year-old, with 25 years of experience, served as Baba’s loyal barber for 17 years without fail
- The Nairobi man recalled the fallen politician’s promise, one he never got to fulfil due to his sudden death
Nairobi: It has been weeks since the burial of Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga, but his memories and legacy continue to linger.
Source: Youtube
Kimani emotionally opened up about his relationship with the former prime minister. He met Raila back in 2008 when he moved to a city barbershop then known as Ashleys.
When was Raila Odinga’s last day at barbershop?
“He gave me a name which everyone started calling me. Whenever Raila would come, they would tell me,” Kimani said.
The barber recalled Raila’s offer to him which, unfortunately, never came to pass.
Raila once asked him what he wanted most in life, a question Kimani had to ponder before the politician’s next visit.
The next time Raila showed up, on Friday, August 1, 2025, which happened to be the last day he ever received a haircut, Kimani finally had an answer.
Barber Kimani’s wish in life
“Since I had shaved him, I told him I would want to shave President William Samoei Ruto. In fact, the word he said was, ‘It is possible.’ I was hopeful,” he said.
On that same day, a family had come for a haircut when they experienced Raila’s generosity firsthand.
A young boy, Maliq Ahmed Ibrahim, and his father Ahmed Ibrahim, were waiting to get new looks.
“Raila came and told me, ‘Maliq, let me cut in line,’ and I gave him way,” the nine-year-old vividly remembered.
Raila Odinga tips staff at barbershop
Ibrahim, Maliq’s dad, narrated the special gesture Raila showed not only to customers but to the staff as well.
“When he was done, he paid for everybody, myself and Mali, and gave a good tip to all the people who served him. Then he left. Little did we know it would be the last time to see him,” he said painfully.
Since then, Kimani, who now works at Razzle Dazzle Barbershop on Kimathi Street, said the barbershop feels different, knowing Raila is no more.
The laughter has faded, the rare conversations have ended, and the leather seat where Raila, who always asked for a simple number two cut, once sat now feels like an empty space.
Kenyans react to Raila’s barber’s experience
Social media users flooded the comment section with moving reactions as they relived fresh memories of the fallen political leader:
Festus Saya:
“The most trusted service provider to a man is his lawyer and barber.”
Steve Oguso:
“I would charge premium for any client who wants to shave with Baba’s machine. Kimani, there goes a business idea.”
Kenn Kimtai:
“Where is he? I must go and shave where Baba used to shave.”
Ezra Omondi:
“Where is that place? I want to have a taste of where Baba used to shave. Pin the location, guys.”
kimutai.co.ke:
“We are now waiting for Baba’s gym instructor to also tell us his or her experience with Baba. Next will be Baba’s uji mixologist.”
Source: Facebook
Kenyans praise make-up team that helped Ida
In another story, Kenyans heaped praise on the team that prepared Ida Odinga during her late husband’s state funeral.
Her appearance, from her hair to her makeup and attire, left many noting that Raila’s widow looked regal.
They appreciated the team that took their time to glam her up, saying they did not let the grieving family down.
Proofreading by Asher Omondi, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
