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Former President Barack Obama paid a big tribute to the late Kenyan opposition leader Raila Odinga calling him and “really a democratizing hero” and a “leading light” in this matter “throughout the continent and the world”. The lament of the ex-president came a few days after Odinga’s demise when he reminisced about the times when Odinga always put his country over his personal ambition and he chose peaceful cohabitation and did not surrender his basic principles.
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In an elaborate and sentimental obituary, Obama said the late leader was one who underwent “adversities for decades and sided with the biggest supporters of freedom and self-determination in Kenya.” He even admitted that he saw Odinga’s dedication to lead now and then during their connection. By the end, Obama told with “deepest sympathies” from him and Michelle, to Odinga’s family and the entire Kenyan nation.
Obama’s eulogy was reacted to by the Kenyan’s public opinion in a way that would reveal an intriguing situation among the country’s followers, a large part of them were expecting the former president’s comment. One social media user sarcastically wrote “He has been hunting for this very picture, tulieni guys,” suggesting that the President had been conducting a search for the image that he thought would be most appropriate for the homage. The comment attracted a lot of responses with laughing emojis and people saying they also noticed the delay.
A different person connected the slow response with his “I was there asking what took you so long, kumbe ni picha ulikuwa unatafuta,” which means “I was there wondering what took you so long, turns out you were looking for a picture.” The joking comment about the late reaction became a frequent topic in the remarks.
Responses pointed out the cultural ties between the ex-president and Kenya. An American user married to a Luo posted “As an American married to a Luo, this post makes my heart full. Thank you.” This message was met with replies from the Luo community, one of them saying “We luo nation love you our inlaw” and another saying “Ero kamano, Jaluos, aheri” thanking in the Luo dialect.
Some comments were about the contemporary cultural moment unfolding in Kenya, a critic remarking “Wewe unawacha Vybz Kartel anakutangulia,” which means “You’re letting Vybz Kartel beat you to it,” putting Obama’s tribute timing alongside that of the Jamaican dancehall artist. This comment opened up a debate about the possibility of mourning competition.
The commenters conveyed the emotional force of the moment, coupled with the prevailing Kenyan humor. A user commented “Lakini wewe Baro lazima unge take time ivyo..iyo picha ilikuwa mbali sana? RIP BABA,” playfully criticizing Obama on his photo quest but still being respectful to the occasion. Another person came up with “Ati Kenya power ya kwao ilikua na maintenance,” meaning that power cuts might have caused the delay.
Although many commenters were supportive of Obama’s personal connection with Kenya, one user wrote “Much love from Kenya mr. Obama,” along with several Kenyan flag emojis. Another person remarked “Baba you must NEVER FORGET you are Kenyan NEVER we will remind you,” highlighting the president’s heritage through his father.
The sincere sadness mixed with funny comments showed the closeness of the relationship between Obama and the Kenyans. While the Kenyans were stending up to the occasion to show the late opposition leader’s respect, they still managed to keep up their playful nature in replying to the ex-president’s gesture. The comments revealed a community that feels comfortable interacting with Obama seriously and playfully at the same time, acknowledging the moment’s significance with the humor that often accompanies Kenyan online interactions.
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In his tribute, Obama emphasized Odinga’s significance not only in Kenya but also as a democratic beacon for the entire continent. His referring to Odinga as the one who would “choose the path of peaceful reconciliation without compromising his core values” revealed the thin line that was drawn by the opposition’s portrayals through their times. The response demonstrated the degree to which both Obama and Odinga are still connected to Kenya’s political and cultural life, as the former president’s words soon sparked both serious contemplation and characteristically Kenyan humor in the midst of national mourning. Donald Trump was not mentioned in the tribute, but Obama’s warning about democracy remains relevant. The former president has also been known for his stark warning on democracy and extremism in government. Additionally, Michelle Obama and Barack Obama have recently been sharing lighter moments together as well.