Nairobi – 31 October 2025

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s voice will live on through his digital platforms. His social media accounts, followed by millions across Africa, are now officially managed by the newly formed RAO Foundation — an organisation dedicated to preserving his legacy.

The change was made public on Thursday, when Raila’s X (formerly Twitter) profile was updated. The bio now reads: “This page is managed by The RAO Foundation in honour of the legacy of the Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga, CGH. Father, Prime Minister, Enigma, Hero, Baba. 1945–2025.”

With nearly five million followers on X and over 2.3 million on Facebook, Raila’s digital reach remains unmatched in the region. The Foundation says it will use the platforms to highlight defining moments from his political journey, his fight for democracy and justice, and the values he stood for — equality, unity, and peace.

“These pages will not go silent,” a Foundation spokesperson said. “They will continue to tell the story of a man who gave his life to public service and to the idea of a better Kenya.”

A Digital Memorial and Political Transition

Raila’s last post on Facebook, dated 3 October, showed him meeting officials from Gor Mahia Football Club. On X, his final activity was a retweet from his son, Raila Odinga Junior, sharing footage from his installation as head of the Odinga family — a symbolic passing of the torch.

The transition comes amid broader changes within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), following Raila’s death on 15 October after a cardiac arrest. His elder brother, Senator Oburu Oginga, has since been confirmed as the new ODM party leader.

The endorsement was made during a Central Committee meeting on 27 October, where party officials called for unity and patience as ODM navigates what they described as one of the most challenging moments in its history.

“This movement was built on sacrifice and resilience,” said an ODM official after the meeting. “We will carry forward Raila’s vision of a just and prosperous Kenya.”

Honouring ‘Baba’

Across the country, plans are under way for national and regional memorial services to celebrate Raila’s life and contribution to public service. Supporters are expected to gather in Kisumu, Nairobi, and Mombasa for prayer events and candlelight vigils.

ODM also confirmed that the ODM@20 celebrations will go ahead in November. The event — marking two decades since the party’s founding — will now double as a tribute to its longtime leader.

The RAO Foundation, meanwhile, says its mission is not only to preserve history but also to inspire future generations. Through digital archives, public lectures, and social programmes, it aims to continue the causes Raila championed for half a century.

In the words of one of his close aides, “The man may be gone, but the movement he started will never fade.”