Veteran Kenyan genge musician Mejja has opened up about his admiration for the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, saying the veteran politician’s willingness to put the country’s interests ahead of personal ambition helped Kenya avoid deeper political divisions.
Speaking during a candid podcast interview with media personality Kwambox, Mejja reflected on Raila’s political legacy and admitted that he is worried about the country’s future as Kenya prepares for the 2027 General Election.
The musician explained that what stood out most about Raila was his readiness to compromise for the sake of peace, even when it came at a personal political cost. According to Mejja, many Kenyans failed to fully appreciate the role the veteran opposition leader played in preventing political conflicts during difficult moments in the country’s history.
“The fear I have is that Raila always placed Kenya before his own interests. Many countries descend into violence because political rivals refuse to talk to each other. Today, I look at both sides of our political divide and I do not see anyone willing to compromise. That is what worries me,” Mejja said during the interview.
He added that Raila often chose dialogue instead of confrontation, arguing that many people only began appreciating those decisions after his death.
The emotional interview, which was shared on TikTok by Infinity Media, quickly attracted widespread attention online. Many Kenyans praised Mejja for speaking honestly about national unity, while others reflected on Raila’s political influence and the uncertainty surrounding Kenya’s future leadership.
Several social media users agreed with the musician’s views, saying Raila’s experience and willingness to negotiate helped maintain stability during tense political periods. Others, however, expressed different political opinions, illustrating the diverse reactions that continue to surround the late opposition leader’s legacy.
The discussion also revived memories of Raila’s final illness. Earlier, Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga revealed that his brother had been receiving treatment for a blood clot in his head. After consultations involving doctors in Kenya and abroad, President William Ruto facilitated his transfer to India aboard a chartered aircraft for specialised treatment.
According to Oburu, doctors in Mumbai successfully removed the clot, but Raila later died while recovering in Kerala, bringing to an end one of the country’s longest and most influential political careers.
Mejja’s remarks have once again sparked a national conversation about leadership, political tolerance and the importance of dialogue ahead of the next General Election. His comments underscore growing public debate over whether Kenya’s political class can maintain unity and peaceful engagement without one of the country’s most experienced statesmen.
As political preparations for 2027 gather momentum, Mejja believes Kenya will need leaders who are willing to prioritise the country’s stability above partisan interests, warning that compromise remains essential for preserving peace and national cohesion.