In a moment that has captured the hearts of millions, Jamaican dancehall superstar Vybz Kartel has joined the world in mourning Raila Amolo Odinga, paying tribute to the fallen Kenyan icon in a way only an artist could — with passion, power, and poetry.
Kartel, currently incarcerated but ever influential, took to Instagram to share a moving reenactment of one of Raila Odinga’s most iconic speeches, choosing words that now feel more like prophecy than politics:
“I believe strongly that no matter our disagreements, or visions, and disappointments, we have to put the country first.”
The clip, just under a minute long, has gone viral across both Africa and the Caribbean, bringing two continents together in shared grief and admiration. It wasn’t just a performance — it was a global salute to a statesman whose influence transcended borders.
“Rest in peace Baba Odinga. The legend Raila Amollo Odinga.” — Vybz Kartel
In the video, Kartel delivers the words with solemn intensity, blending spoken word, tribute, and performance art. His caption was simple but deeply felt — a phrase now echoed across timelines and TV screens:
“Rest in peace Baba Odinga. The legend Raila Amollo Odinga.”
From Kenyan Hearts to Global Souls
Back home, Kenya’s own stars are pouring out their grief. Jalang’o posted an emotional video recounting his personal memories with Baba. Eric Omondi praised Raila’s undying commitment to youth empowerment. Across the border in Tanzania, Ali Kiba described him as a “pillar of regional unity.”
But Kartel’s tribute has struck a different chord — one that blends creativity with reverence. His performance wasn’t just a message. It was a moment — reminding the world that Raila Odinga was more than a politician; he was a symbol.
A Legacy Beyond Borders
As Kenya prepares for a historic farewell, with a public holiday declared in his honour, the world continues to pause — not just in silence, but in tribute, in memory, in art.
From the streets of Nairobi to the dancehalls of Kingston, the voice of Raila Odinga still echoes — urging peace, unity, and purpose.
Raila’s story was written in the struggle, lived through sacrifice, and now celebrated in every corner of the globe. Even behind bars, Kartel felt the weight of that loss — and turned it into a global cry of respect.
