Media personality Jacque Maribe has stirred emotion online after paying tribute to the late former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga, marking one of the most personal celebrity reactions to his death so far.
The former Citizen TV anchor took to Instagram Stories to express her sorrow, invoking the traditional Luo mourning chant “Jowi Jowi Jowi”—a dirge reserved for moments of deep grief within the Luo community.
“I can finally say Jowii Jowii Jowii without you all judging me. It is for my friend’s dad, the late Fidel,” Maribe wrote, referencing Fidel Odinga, Raila’s son, who passed away in 2015.
However, aware of her public scrutiny, Maribe included a disclaimer in her post, pleading with followers not to misinterpret her message or judge her based on her past association with Joseph Irungu, popularly known as Jowie.
Jowie, her former partner, was sentenced to death in March 2024 for the murder of businesswoman Monica Kimani, a high-profile case that had once drawn Maribe into legal battles before she was acquitted.
The journalist noted that her tribute was purely emotional and meant to honour the Odinga family, not a reflection of her past controversies.
“Please don’t judge me,” she wrote, clarifying that her post was an act of mourning for a leader and family she deeply respected.
In a follow-up post, Maribe posed a reflective question to her Luo followers, wondering who would take up the mantle of leadership within the community following Raila’s passing.
“It is finished. Now, question, I’m asking all my Luo friends — and they are my family, nimewazalia. Who takes over as kingpin?” she asked, revealing her personal ties to the community through her child’s Luo heritage.
Kasmuel McOure Shares Emotional Exchange with Raila
Meanwhile, activist and musician Kasmuel McOure also shared an emotional farewell, posting screenshots of his final conversation with Raila Odinga.
Raila, who passed away in India after suffering a cardiac arrest during his morning walk, had travelled to Kerala for treatment at an Ayurvedic facility.
Following his death, President William Ruto sent a high-level delegation to India to coordinate the repatriation of the former Prime Minister’s remains.
Kasmuel’s screenshots revealed a heartfelt message from Raila, who had apologised for missing his call but encouraged him to continue with his advocacy work.
“I’m sorry that due to pressure, I wasn’t able to respond promptly to your inquiry regarding the two invitations. My answer is yes, you should accept both invitations because it will allow you to share our experience with others and also to learn from them,” read Raila’s final text.
In his tribute, Kasmuel described Raila as “the eternal gentleman” and “a forever hero.”
“To the eternal gentleman, Baba. I’ll miss you deeply, my friend. Thank you for saving my life last year. Thank you for making me the man I am today. Fare thee well, my forever hero,” he wrote alongside a photo of them together.
by Geoffrey mbuthia
