A throwback clip of Raila Odinga stepping onto a public matatu in Nairobi has gone viral again, tugging at the heartstrings of Kenyans who are still coming to terms with the loss of the veteran opposition leader. The video, captured in a candid, documentary-style manner, shows Raila dressed in blue, boarding a Route 111 matatu plying the Karen to Nairobi CBD route alongside his bodyguard Maurice Ogeta. The outing took place on July 10, 2023.
Rather than travelling in his usual motorcade, Raila chose to squeeze into a public matatu with ordinary commuters, a move his team framed as an act of solidarity meant to give him a firsthand feel of the daily transport hustle that millions of Kenyans endure. During the ride, fellow passengers and the conductor seized the chance to raise their concerns directly with him, particularly about the punishing cost of fuel and the wider cost of living crisis gripping Kenyan households at the time.
After alighting at the Ambassadeur bus stop, Raila then walked through the streets of Nairobi's CBD, stopping to pay his respects at monuments honouring freedom fighters Tom Mboya and Dedan Kimathi. The clip resurfaced weeks before the first anniversary of his passing, and the timing hit differently for many. Kenyans flooded the comments with emotional tributes as the clip circulated online.
Comments poured in, mixing grief with admiration, with many Kenyans expressing their feelings about the late politician. @Sheldon wrote: "Up to now I've not come to terms with the reality that he died; I tend to imagine he's just somewhere sitting in silence." Others reflected on his legacy and the impact he had on the nation.
The video drew thousands of views, with many Kenyans remembering Raila Odinga's acts of solidarity with ordinary citizens. President William Ruto has proposed renaming Kisumu International Airport and Talanta Stadium after the former prime minister. This is among the tributes and honours that have been bestowed upon Raila Odinga since his passing.
Raila Odinga died in India on October 15, 2025, aged 80, after collapsing during a morning walk. There have been calls for October 15 to become an annual public holiday in honour of the late Raila. The proposal is currently under consideration, with many Kenyans supporting the move to honour his legacy.
The resurfacing of the video has sparked a renewed conversation about Raila Odinga's legacy and impact on Kenyan politics. As Kenyans prepare to mark his first death anniversary, the video serves as a poignant reminder of his connection with ordinary citizens.
Key points
- A video of Raila Odinga boarding a public matatu in Nairobi has gone viral ahead of his first death anniversary.
- The video shows Raila Odinga's act of solidarity with ordinary citizens, highlighting his connection with the people.
- There have been calls for October 15 to become an annual public holiday in honour of the late Raila Odinga.
