08/11/2025
THE CROWN STILL LIVES ON
"The political chessboard was shaken, but not broken. Rt. Hon. Raila Amollo Odinga may be gone, yet his spirit still moves every piece. The King is gone, but the Crown still lives on." Just my thoughts.
The disruptive death of Rt. Hon. Raila Amollo Odinga has thrown Kenya’s political landscape into turmoil. Many are busy searching for the vacuum he left behind — yet Raila was larger than life, a phenomenon that cannot simply be replaced.
The ODM Party, understandably, has borne the heaviest blow. However, the emergence of Dr. Oburu Odinga as a unifying figure has helped cushion the party against the fallout many had feared. As an insider and trusted confidant of his late brother, Dr. Oburu’s word carried weight across all spheres of ODM operations. So far, the party is holding steady. ODM will certainly find a leader — though none will ever truly be Baba.
When the sad news of Jakom’s passing broke, the entire political class was thrown into confusion. Before the nation could even come to terms with the tragedy, word spread that Raila’s will expressed his wish to be buried within 72 hours. Many doubted it could be done — how could Raila Odinga, the enigma, be laid to rest in just three days? But true to his will, it was done. Murmurs filled every corner and street of the nation.
President William Ruto, as Head of State, seized the moment and ensured Jakom’s wish was honored, granting him a full state funeral. Many prominent Kenyans have died, but RAO’s passing came with unprecedented events. The opposition — long united under his leadership — suddenly found itself reduced to guests in a ceremony they might have wished to lead. Yes, the family was consulted, but not in the way many had anticipated.
Those three days felt like months; time stood still. One moment, however, stood out. President Uhuru Kenyatta did not immediately return to Nairobi after the burial. Early the next morning, he visited Raila’s grave — a symbolic gesture that spoke volumes. Uhuru reminded Raila’s supporters that he too had lost a true friend and confidant.
Ruto’s actions, though commendable, were seen largely as political. But Uhuru’s presence — later reinforced by visits from his mother and wife — subtly reclaimed part of the emotional space. In doing so, he managed to steal a sliver of the spotlight from Ruto. What followed was a cascade of gestures from across the political divide — acts of love and tribute, and at the same time, subtle messages to the President: “We can do what you did, and even more.”
Today, the “Raila vote” appears to be up for grabs. Many wonder who will inherit Baba’s mantle — who can unite Kenyans as Raila did? Who among them can command loyalty across tribes and generations?
Following Uhuru’s symbolic moves came Eugene Wamalwa, Governor Natembeya, Martha Karua, Charity Ngilu, the Kikuyu, Kalenjin, Maa, and Turkana delegations — and finally Vice President Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka, who offered 100 cows and bulls in tribute. Each sought to honor Raila’s legacy — and, perhaps, to share in the glory that his passing bestowed upon Ruto.
The President and his handlers may appear quiet now, but behind the scenes, much is simmering in response to this new wave of political posturing.
Yes — the King is gone.
But the Crown still lives on.
Telo ma onge akwede
— Hon. Steve Ouma Owiti, ODM Chair – Kisumu East Branch.
