Wamuzi News Ke
In a startling and emotionally charged disclosure, Ruth Odinga, sister of the late Kenyan opposition icon Raila Odinga, revealed that her elder brother died knowing that many in Generation Z preferred he was gone — even while that same generation now mourns him deeply.
Her statement offers a raw insight into the leader’s latecareer awareness and underscores a wider fracture between youth and legacy.Addressing journalists after the family’s private commemoration at the Karen residence, Ruth said that Raila understood “the shifting mood of the youth” and recognised that young Kenyans were at one stage detached from his brand — a reality he encountered in the years leading up to his death.
She said quietly: “He died knowing that Generation Z had turned away — and seeing them now pour out their grief is both solace and sorrow.”
Youth Rejection, Sudden ReconciliationRuth’s remarks highlight a complex generational dynamic. Sources say the late Odinga, in the final months of his life, increasingly reached out to younger activists and sought to build bridges with Gen Z — despite feeling their earlier distancing.
According to stakeholders in the Odinga camp, this shift stemmed from the 2024 youth-led protests and Gen Z’s rising impatience with Kenya’s political elite. Odinga reportedly told close aides that “the children of tomorrow will judge me differently,” acknowledging a gap he sought to close. The family now sees the flood of youth mourners as evidence of that connection finally crystallising — albeit post-humously.
Why Her Statement Pierces National Narrative.
Leadership in the twilight of life: Few public figures have openly confronted generational rejection and sought to reconcile with youth — Ruth’s disclosure suggests Raila carried that burden until his final day.
Youth political value shift: The statement points to Gen Z’s increasing role in Kenyan politics — both as critics and mourners, challenging traditional opposition icons.Legacy recalibration: Raila’s narrative will now include this generational rift and reconciliation attempt — painting him as not only a stalwart of democracy, but also a figure aware of his era’s end.
Opposition implications: For the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and reform-minded youth wings, the acknowledgement from the family may become a pivot point in realigning around new leadership shaped by younger activists.
