A storm has erupted online after Ruth Odinga, sister to the late ODM leader Raila Odinga, made a bold revelation about how Gen Zs viewed her brother before his death. Her remarks have sparked a deep wave of emotion and debate, with Kenyans reflecting on how they treated the veteran politician during his final years.
Speaking during a family gathering in Bondo, Ruth said that Raila died fully aware that many young Kenyans had turned against him. She claimed that while Gen Zs are now openly expressing love and admiration for the fallen leader, many of them had previously celebrated his political downfall and wished him gone. Watch the full clip here.
Ruth’s sentiments have stirred heated reactions across the country, especially among the youth who had previously criticized Raila for partnering with President William Ruto’s Broad-Based Government. Many feel her words have reopened deep wounds, forcing Kenyans to question whether the nation only values its heroes after they are gone.
The former Kisumu Deputy Governor described Raila’s last months as emotionally heavy, saying he felt isolated and misunderstood. She noted that Baba, once a symbol of resistance and unity, struggled with the realization that part of the same generation he inspired had turned their backs on him.
The viral clip has spread across social media platforms including TikTok, Facebook, and X, sparking a range of opinions. Some Gen Zs defended their stance, saying their criticism came from a desire for change, not hate. Others admitted that Ruth’s remarks hit hard, exposing the country’s habit of celebrating leaders only after death.
Political analysts have also weighed in, describing Ruth’s statement as a raw and emotional reflection of a family grappling with the loss of a man who shaped Kenya’s democratic journey. Her words, they say, mirror the pain of a nation that may have failed to appreciate Raila while he was still alive.
As Raila’s burial preparations continue at Kang’o ka Jaramogi in Bondo, Ruth’s message has become a central topic of discussion, a painful reminder that sometimes, love and respect arrive too late.
By Newshub