Fally Ipupa, Diamond, and African Stars Unite in Musical Farewell to Raila Odinga, Winnie Reacts

East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) Member Winnie Odinga has extended her heartfelt appreciation to Congolese superstar Fally Ipupa for his moving musical tribute to her late father, Raila Odinga.

Taking to her social media platforms, Winnie thanked the celebrated musician for standing in solidarity with the Odinga family and Kenyans during what she described as a period of “deep loss and reflection.”

“I say thank you for standing with us, Fally Ipupa,” she wrote.

Fally Ipupa Nsimba, one of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s most renowned artists, is known globally for blending Congolese rumba, ndombolo, soukous, and contemporary sounds. In his emotional performance, Ipupa sang:

“Kenya, Congo (DRC), inasimama na wewe,” meaning “Kenya and Congo stand with you.”

He continued:

“Raila Odinga, tuko pamoja na Kenya, Congo inalia na wewe,” translating to “Raila Odinga, we are with Kenya, Congo is crying with you.”

The artist praised Raila — fondly known as Baba — as a torchbearer of peace, a voice of the people, and a true son of Africa. He added that while the continent mourns, there is comfort in knowing he now rests in a better place.

Raila Odinga, Kenya’s former Prime Minister and an enduring pillar of African politics for more than four decades, passed away on October 15, 2025, in India.

He was laid to rest on October 19 in a private family ceremony at his father’s home in Kang’o ka Jaramogi, Bondo, Siaya County, following a state funeral and public memorial at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST).

The funeral drew dignitaries from across Africa, including President William Ruto, former President Uhuru Kenyatta, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, and former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, among many others.

Fally Ipupa’s musical tribute joined a wave of emotional dedications from across East Africa’s music scene.

Tanzanian star Diamond Platnumz released a powerful 10-minute song, “Ulale Salama Raila Odinga”, featuring Mbosso, Rayvanny, and Zuchu, which quickly went viral, garnering over 500,000 YouTube views within days.

Gospel sensation Christina Shusho also honoured Raila through her song “Pumzika Baba”, praising his unwavering fight for democracy, justice, and constitutional reform.

R&B artist Juma Jux fondly recalled meeting Raila in Nairobi just weeks before his death, describing him as “humility wrapped in greatness.”

Music legend Ali Kiba remembered Raila as a “resilient spirit” whose courage inspired generations beyond Kenya’s borders, while Uganda’s Jose Chameleon said, “Raila’s loss is not Kenya’s alone — it is Africa’s.”

Through these musical tributes, artists across the continent have celebrated Raila Odinga’s extraordinary life — a legacy that continues to inspire unity, courage, and Pan-African pride.