Where it all began: Kaloleni hails son who became people's leader

Kaloleni Estate in Kisumu holds a special place in Kenya’s history. It was here that the late former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga spent part of his formative years — years that shaped the character, courage and conviction of a man who would one day become a champion of democracy and the voice of millions.

Today, a cloud of gloom hangs over the estate, as the few remaining members of the older generation admit that the loss of Raila is too heavy to bear. One of Kisumu’s oldest and most historic residential areas, Kaloleni has fallen silent following his death. The narrow paths that once echoed with laughter and the chatter of children now carry only the sounds of mourning.

Its cracked walls, rusty roofs and ageing timber doors whisper stories of a simpler time, when Kaloleni was among Kisumu’s most vibrant estates. The dusty playgrounds and familiar alleys where Raila once played and ran to Kisumu Union Primary School now stand as quiet reminders of a childhood that helped shape one of Kenya’s greatest political figures.

Since Wednesday, when Raila’s death was announced, residents have gathered in small groups outside their houses, reminiscing about the boy they once knew — the same boy who grew into a national figure whose courage and leadership inspired generations. They talk about his humility, his father’s kindness, and the family’s enduring bond with the community.

Elders recall how the Jaramogi family was deeply respected yet remarkably down-to-earth. Despite their growing political influence, they remained approachable, friendly and generous.

It was in this lakeside city that it all began. Raila  was born at Maseno Mission Hospital on January 7, 1945, to Mary Juma Odinga and Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, who would later become Kenya’s first Vice President under President Jomo Kenyatta. The family lived in Kaloleni Estate, where young Raila spent most of his childhood before they relocated to Nairobi when his father entered national politics.

Born to lead

In Nairobi, Raila would follow in his father’s footsteps — stepping boldly into politics and shaping Kenya’s democratic journey for more than three decades. Yet his story traces back to these dusty lanes of Kaloleni, where the values of resilience, unity and justice were first nurtured.

On Sunday, Raila was laid to rest at Kang’o Ka Jaramogi. Thousands turned up to bid farewell to the man they affectionately called Baba.

Kaloleni Estate lies about two kilometres north-east of Kisumu’s Central Business District. Once a prestigious residential area, it has over the years transformed into a densely populated informal settlement. Yet despite its modest appearance, it remains a symbolic place — a cradle of leadership and a home steeped in history. The area still bears traces of the Odinga family’s legacy. “This is Kaloleni,” says 74-year-old Shekhe Mkonda, one of the few surviving elders who grew up alongside Raila. His voice carries both pride and grief as he recounts memories of their childhood friendship.

“I was born here in Kaloleni and studied here until I finished school. I’ve lived here for 74 years. Raila and I grew up together — he was six years older, but we were like age mates. We shared a lot. Jaramogi, his father, was a close friend of my dad, and our families interacted often. We used to pass by their house every day. As a community, we lived like one big family.”

Mkonda pauses, his gaze fixed on the direction of the old Odinga home. “Raila was a people’s person from the beginning,” he continues. “I remember how he loved wearing shorts and a cap, just like his father. He was a leader even as a boy — when we went hunting, all the other boys followed him. He was cheerful, determined and respectful.”

He recalls Raila’s love of outdoor games and simple joys. “We played penny pitch together — that was his favourite. We went bird hunting, and he was always excited to lead the group. Nobody disliked him. Raila’s father, Jaramogi, was also very humble and welcoming. He treated everyone with respect. Those are values Raila carried all his life.”

Mkonda smiles as memories flood back. “Even though Raila never became president, we will always remember him. When he lost elections, we in Kaloleni took it personally. He represented our spirit — resilient and unbroken. I also remember how he fought for us years ago when a Muslim Association field in Kibuye was almost grabbed. Raila stepped in, and because of him, that field remains ours to this day.”

“After growing up together, I later went abroad to work. When I came back, I heard Raila had become the Prime Minister of Kenya. I wasn’t surprised at all. He had leadership in his blood. I knew this was his destiny.”

For Mkonda, Raila’s passing feels like losing a brother. “He was one of us — Kaloleni’s own. We have been mourning since Wednesday. Raila was a son of this soil.”

Another elder, Maalim Ali Mansab, also remembers Raila fondly. Sitting outside his home, he points towards an old structure and says softly, “That’s where Raila grew up.”

“I was born here in Kaloleni, raised here, and now I’m old,” Mansab says. “I’ve known Raila all my life. He was older, yes, but he was part of us. Raila valued people whether rich or poor, young or old. He was not tribal; he respected everyone.” He recalls the last time Raila visited Kaloleni. “He came with friends from abroad. He wanted to show them where he grew up. We were so proud. That moment reminded us of how far he had come from these dusty streets to the world stage.”

Mansab says Kaloleni residents always believed Raila would one day be president. “We prayed for it every election. Whenever he lost, it felt like we all had lost. But even without the presidency, Raila gave us pride. He gave us a reason to believe that a boy from Kaloleni could become a national hero.”

He describess Raila as honest, fearless, and driven by service. “He was a truthful man. He feared nobody and always spoke the truth, even when it cost him politically. He performed his duties for the good of Kenyans. Personally, I’ll miss him dearly. There will never be another Raila Odinga.”

Sacred feeling

A few meters away, in one of the aging houses on the estate, lives Rose Kerubo, a woman whose home carries a unique significance. It is the same house where the Odinga family once lived during Raila’s early years.

“I’ve lived in this house for ten years now,” Rose says quietly. “When I moved in, I didn’t know much about its history. Later, the elders told me that this is where Raila and his parents lived when he was a boy. Since then, I’ve felt blessed to live here. This house carries a sacred feeling, like it still holds his energy.”

Since the news of Raila’s passing broke, Rose says she has been mourning nonstop. “I’ve cried since Wednesday. Every time I look around this house, I imagine the young Raila running through the corridor, laughing, dreaming. It’s painful to know he’s gone, but it’s also comforting that his spirit still lives among us.”

To the people of Kaloleni, Raila was more than a politician; he was family, a symbol of hope, and a reflection of their own aspirations.

“Raila may have left us,” says elder Mkonda softly, “but Kaloleni will forever remember him not just as a leader, but as a boy who never forgot home.”