Lavender Wesonga, a 22-year-old woman from Kisumu, completed a 72-hour pillar-hugging challenge in honour of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, highlighting the different ways Kenyans continue to celebrate his legacy.
Lavender Wesonga completed the challenge at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Sports Complex in Kisumu on Monday, October 12, after spending three consecutive days holding onto a pillar she had painted white.
According to reports, Wesonga was taken to Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital for medical attention shortly after completing the challenge.
Why Lavender Wesonga hugged a pillar for 72 hours
Wesonga said the challenge was her way of expressing grief over Raila’s death and honouring the former prime minister, whom many Kenyans affectionately referred to as Baba.
She explained that the 72 hours represented the period between Raila’s death and his burial.
Raila died in India on October 15, 2025, aged 80, while receiving medical treatment. His death marked the end of a political career that spanned decades and significantly influenced Kenya’s political landscape.
Wesonga said she wanted her tribute to reflect the values she associated with the veteran politician, particularly peace, democracy and justice.
She painted the pillar white to symbolize peace, which she considered an important part of Raila’s legacy.
Speaking after completing the challenge, she expressed happiness at achieving her goal and vowed to continue upholding the values the late politician represented.
“I am happy to finish this challenge in honour of Raila Odinga. I will continue upholding his legacy. Baba loved everyone, regardless of where they came from, and I will miss him,” she said, according to reports.
Woman endures exhaustion during challenge.
Wesonga’s determination came at a physical cost, with reports indicating that she appeared visibly exhausted after the three-day challenge.
Her feet were reportedly swollen and pale by the time she completed the exercise, prompting her hospital visit.
Her father, who witnessed the conclusion of the challenge, expressed relief and pride, admitting that he had initially doubted whether she would manage to complete it.
Wesonga, who is unemployed, also appealed to the government and well-wishers to help her secure employment, saying youth empowerment was among the issues she associated with Raila’s leadership.
Her tribute comes as Kenya prepares to mark the first anniversary of Raila’s death on October 15, with various commemorative activities expected to celebrate his life and political legacy.
