Celebrities & Politicians Celebrate The First Posthumous Birthday Of Raila Odinga
Today, January 7, 2026, marks what would have been the 81st birthday of the late Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga. For the first time in over five decades, the day is devoid of the usual political rallies and vibrant celebrations that characterized “Baba’s” life. Instead, the nation is observing a quiet and deeply reflective milestone, three months after his passing on October 15, 2025.
The Family’s “Heartfelt Gratitude”
In an emotional tribute published by Raila Odinga Junior and the wider Odinga family, they broke their silence to formally thank the world for the solidarity shown during their darkest hour.
“The Odinga Family wishes to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who stood with us during this profoundly painful time… You have been our comfort and strength,” the family statement read.
Oga Obinna was also among Kenyan celebrities who have remembered Raila and wished him a happy birthday. He however, claimed that most people have moved on quickly after Baba’s death.
‘The Coastal Salute’ in Mombasa
While the Odinga family reflects in private, the public celebration of his legacy—affectionately dubbed “80+1”—has moved to the Coast. Mining and Blue Economy CS Hassan Joho is leading
‘The Coastal Salute’ in Mombasa today, honoring the man who for years considered the region his “political bedroom.”
A Legacy Beyond Politics
From Kisumu to social media, where the hashtag #BabaAt81 has trended all morning, Kenyans are celebrating a man whose life was synonymous with modern Kenya’s struggle for democracy.
The family also paid a special tribute to the medical teams at Nairobi Hospital and in India, led by Dr. David Oluoch-Olunya and Dr. Martin Wanyoike, for their dedicated care in his final days.
As the nation ponders a political landscape without its most formidable protagonist, the “Agwambo” spirit remains a permanent fixture of Kenya’s democratic architecture.
