When Kenyans woke up to the news of Raila Odinga’s passing, the grief that swept across the nation was not confined to politics alone, it rippled through the creative world.
From musicians to meme creators, comedians to TikTokers, Raila was not just a political figure; he was a cultural icon who inspired countless works of art, lyrics, and laughter.
His charisma, resilience, and unforgettable phrases turned him into a brand that transcended politics, making him a central figure in Kenya’s creative imagination.
Raila’s political journey gave artists rich material to work with. His campaigns, often marked by chants of “Baba! Baba!” and anthems like “Baba while you were away”, became instant hits that fused politics with rhythm.
Songs such as “Tano Tena” may have celebrated his opponents, but Raila’s presence in such creative expressions reflected his undeniable imprint on Kenya’s musical landscape.
Two songs, “Leo ni Leo (Remix)” and “RaiUhuru Tibim”, stand out as powerful soundtracks to his journey.
In 2022, veteran musician Emmanuel Musindi teamed up with Raila to release “Leo ni Leo (Remix)”, a vibrant campaign anthem meaning “Today is Today.”
The song captured Raila’s optimism and message of readiness for change ahead of the general election. Featuring Raila singing and dancing, it quickly went viral across rallies, matatus, and TikTok, symbolizing his connection with younger voters and his ability to merge politics with pop culture.
Earlier, in 2018, Benga artist Onyi Jalamo released “RaiUhuru Tibim” following the historic Handshake between Raila and President Uhuru Kenyatta. The song praised unity and peace after years of political division, blending celebration with reconciliation. It became a nationwide hit, especially in Nyanza, resonating as a message of healing.
In entertainment spaces, Raila was a figure whose story aligned perfectly with Kenya’s musical DNA perseverance, humor, and community. His ability to connect with the masses made him not just a leader but an artist’s muse.
In the age of social media, Raila became one of the most memed politicians in Africa. From his expressive gestures to his iconic phrases, he provided an endless stream of material for meme culture. His supporters turned his speeches into viral soundbites, while digital creators used his reactions to convey humor and emotion in everyday conversations.
Platforms like TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), and Facebook are flooded with Raila-inspired content from parody songs to dramatic reenactments of his political rallies.
The “Baba has been betrayed” and “Baba is tired” memes became part of the digital language, blurring the line between political commentary and entertainment.
Yet through it all, the memes never stripped him of dignity; they humanized him showing a man Kenyans could laugh with, even in disagreement.
Kenya’s comedians also owe much to Raila’s magnetic persona. Satirical shows such as XYZ Show and Redykyulass frequently featured caricatures of him sometimes poking fun, often celebrating his resilience.
His rivalry with other leaders became fertile ground for humor, allowing Kenyans to process political tension through laughter.
What set Raila apart was his willingness to take it all in stride. He rarely lashed out at comedians or meme creators, instead acknowledging satire as part of democratic expression. In a country where humor is both coping mechanism and commentary, Raila stood as an enduring character in Kenya’s national comedy sketch.
Even online movements around Raila like #BabaThe5th or #RailaTheGoat show how deeply intertwined his image was with Kenya’s digital generation. Young people who never attended his rallies still connected with his legacy through remixed videos, animations, and edited clips that turned politics into participatory art.
In his passing, the entertainment world mourns not just a political giant, but a man whose presence made art bolder, jokes funnier, and music more meaningful.
His legacy will live on not only in history books, but in playlists, memes, and laughter across the digital landscape
