Kibra residents take to the streets to mourn Raila's death

Nairobi
By Okumu Modachi | Oct 15, 2025

Kibra residents mourn the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga(Baba) along Ngong road and Kibra on October 15, 2025. [Boniface Okendo, Standard]

Grief turned into a grand procession on Wednesday mid-morning as hundreds of Kibra residents poured into the streets to mourn the death of longtime political icon, and Kenya's former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

Mr. Odinga, according to his family, rested on the morning of Wednesday 15, after succumbing to cardiac arrest during a morning walk in India where he has spent days receiving treatment.

In a show of love, respect, and heartbreak, the community expressed their sorrow in what brought out a deep cultural tribute.

From Olympics grounds, the mourners moved en masse, snaking through Makini-DC Road and eventually joining Ngong' Road, bringing traffic to a near standstill.

Some motorists were forced out of the road as they sought alternative routes.

Men and women—both young and middle aged waved green plant leaves — a traditional symbol of mourning and peace.

"Jowie! Jowie!" they wailed. The air filled with screams, songs, and dirges.

Tears streaming as they chanted Raila’s name. "Baba (as he was fondly known "iwewa nang'o (loosely translated to 'Baba why have you left us'?)

"Baba shujaa. Agwas tunakuja (Agwambo as others referred to him)," they shouted as they headed to Raila's Karen home.