The RAO Foundation has officially taken over the management of Raila Amolo Odinga’s X (formerly Twitter) account following the former Prime Minister’s passing earlier this month.
The move marks a significant step in preserving the legacy of one of Kenya’s most influential political figures.
The account, which boasts nearly 5 million followers, now bears a new bio that reads:
“This page is managed by The RAO Foundation in honor of the legacy of the Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga, CGH. Father, Prime Minister, Enigma, Hero, Baba. 1945–2025.”
This update, first noted by followers on October 28, 2025, reflects the foundation’s commitment to using the platform to celebrate Odinga’s life, ideals, and enduring impact on Kenya’s democratic journey.
A Digital Continuation of a Political Legacy
Raila Odinga, who passed away on October 15, 2025, was not only a political heavyweight but also one of Kenya’s most active digital voices.
His X page often served as a space for political dialogue, social advocacy, and national unity messages.
The RAO Foundation’s takeover symbolizes a continuation of that communication — a digital heartbeat meant to ensure that Odinga’s ideas, philosophies, and influence remain alive even after his death.
According to AllAfrica, the Foundation stated that the account will be used to “commemorate Raila Odinga’s lifelong fight for democracy, justice, and unity in Kenya,” and to inspire generations who continue to draw lessons from his political journey.
About the RAO Foundation
The RAO Foundation, short for Raila Amolo Odinga Foundation, was established to safeguard and promote Odinga’s legacy, both within Kenya and across Africa.
According to information available on railaodinga.go.ke, the foundation aims to champion democracy, good governance, and community development — the very ideals Odinga stood for throughout his career.
Beyond managing his digital platforms, the foundation is also expected to run educational initiatives, leadership programs, and civic engagement projects in his memory.
Its formation mirrors a growing global trend where influential leaders’ families create structured institutions to preserve their historical significance and promote social causes linked to their missions.
Why It Matters
In Kenya’s digital era, social media has become a historical archive — a living testament to political and cultural movements.
Raila Odinga’s X account, once used to communicate directly with millions of citizens, is now an online memorial where Kenyans can revisit his words, relive key political moments, and reflect on his contribution to national reform.
This strategic move by the RAO Foundation ensures that his narrative remains protected from distortion and continues to inspire both current and future generations.
Odinga’s influence went far beyond political rallies and parliamentary debates. To many Kenyans, he represented resilience, sacrifice, and the dream of a fairer nation.
The RAO Foundation’s stewardship of his X account ensures that his values — democracy, justice, and unity — remain not just words of the past but principles to build the future on.
By Judy mutinda
