Kisumu – October 7, 2025

The Kisumu-based artist behind one of Kenya’s most iconic tributes to the late Raila Odinga has taken a decisive step to protect his work. Collins Omondi Okello, the creator of the viral digital piece ‘Sunset of the Enigma’, has officially secured a copyright certificate for the artwork.

Okello made the announcement on Facebook on Tuesday, confirming he had copyrighted the image to prevent unauthorised commercial use.

“I finally have the certificate for the artwork. Changing the narrative one milestone at a time,” he wrote.

He clarified that the copyright would not stop Kenyans from sharing or reposting the image online — only from using it for profit without permission.

“This is not an action against reposting or fair use,” he said. “It’s to protect against unscrupulous businesspeople who use the artwork for their own commercial gain without following the law.”

A Viral Tribute Turned National Symbol

The digital artwork, depicting Raila Odinga’s silhouette against a glowing sunset, spread rapidly online in the days following the opposition leader’s passing. It became a symbol of national mourning, widely shared by Kenyans from all walks of life.

For Okello, the moment was deeply personal. He had met Raila a decade earlier and presented him with a hand-drawn pencil portrait. His emotional connection to the veteran politician inspired ‘Sunset of the Enigma’, which he says was “a farewell from the heart.”

As the image went viral, Okello began selling signed prints and merchandise — including T-shirts, caps, and epoxy-mounted artworks — to support his art business. Prices ranged from KSh900 for caps to KSh15,500 for large-format signed pieces.

But soon, others began selling unauthorised reproductions, prompting the artist to file a copyright application on October 23 to secure ownership.

Understanding Copyright and Fair Use

Under Kenya’s Copyright Act (amended in 2019), individuals can use copyrighted works under “fair dealing” provisions — similar to “fair use” laws in other countries.

This allows non-commercial use for purposes such as commentary, reporting, parody, education, or research, provided the creator is credited. The law also exempts incidental appearances — such as an artwork seen in the background of a film.

However, commercial exploitation without consent constitutes infringement. In such cases, courts determine what qualifies as “fair,” since the law provides no strict numerical limits.

Legal experts note that Okello’s move sets a strong precedent for Kenyan artists, many of whom struggle to protect their work from unauthorised replication and online piracy.

A New Chapter for Kenyan Artists

Okello’s decision has drawn widespread attention, sparking conversation about the rights of digital creators in Kenya’s growing online art scene.

“We must begin to value creative labour,” he said in a follow-up post. “Art is work. And work deserves respect.”

With ‘Sunset of the Enigma’ now officially protected, Okello says he hopes to inspire fellow artists to assert ownership over their creations, ensuring their work — and legacy — remains theirs.