Collins Omondi Okello, a Kisumu-based visual artist behind the viral memorial artwork of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, has officially copyrighted the image to secure full ownership and control over its commercial use.
A copy of the Certificate of Registration of a Copyright Work seen by BRK confirms that the Kenya Copyright Board (KECOBO) issued the artwork’s copyright number RZ81855, registered under the title “Sunset of the Enigma” and attributed to Okello as the creator.
Okello says the move was necessary to safeguard his intellectual property from being exploited by businesspeople using the piece for profit without his consent.
“This is not an action against reposting or resharing or for fair use; this is to protect against unscrupulous businesspeople who use the artwork for their own commercial gain without seeking authority or following the laid-down guidelines for use of copyrighted works,” he clarified.
The digital portrait, which went viral shortly after Raila Odinga’s passing, has since been widely shared across social media and reproduced on various merchandise, including T-shirts, posters, and digital banners, by fans paying tribute to the veteran politician.
Okello, however, emphasized that his creation was purely a personal homage and not intended for commercial purposes.
“My main aim of doing this work was as a personal tribute to a global icon who is larger than life — someone most of us couldn’t even fathom a day of his demise. He has shaped our political landscape and given us a soft landing in this democracy. This was not meant for commercial purposes,” he said.
Beyond the viral tribute, Okello has produced hundreds of notable artworks capturing both local and international figures, earning him recognition as one of Kenya’s most respected digital artists.
Understanding Copyright in Kenya
Under Kenyan law, copyright is governed by the Copyright Act, 2001 (as amended) and administered by the Kenya Copyright Board (KECOBO). Copyright protects original works of authorship, including literary, artistic, musical, and audiovisual creations, from unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or commercial exploitation.
By registering a copyright, creators like Collins Okello are granted exclusive rights to reproduce, distribute, display, and license their work. This means any person or business seeking to use the artwork for commercial gain must obtain permission from the copyright holder.
In Kenya, copyright protection arises automatically upon creation of the work, but registration provides legal proof of ownership—a vital step when enforcing rights in cases of infringement. Violating copyright laws can result in civil penalties, including fines and compensation for damages, or criminal prosecution for severe cases.
BY Dennis milimo
