Baba forever: Nairobi TikToker tattoos Raila Odinga’s face on his arm

A Nairobi TikToker using the username @ka-wanjiku has wowed Kenyans after tattooing a black portrait of the late Raila Amollo Odinga on his arm in a heartfelt tribute to the former Prime Minister.

In a video he shared on TikTok on Saturday, October 18, 2025, the content creator could be seen lying in a tattoo studio as the artist made final attempts to wipe off the excess ink from the detailed portrait, revealing the striking face of the late ODM leader.

Also watch: From Jomo to Moi to Kibaki – Raila’s farewell pulls record crowds

The tattoo captures Raila looking straight ahead, designed in such a way that when Ka-wanjiku stands upright and faces forward, the image aligns perfectly, creating the illusion that Raila himself is staring straight ahead.

The short clip was soundtracked with Don Williams’ song “Jamaica Farewell”, a tune that was among Raila’s favourites, underscoring the emotional depth behind the tribute.

Ka-wanjiku later posted another photo showing him standing by a roadside, smiling proudly with the completed tattoo clearly visible on his arm.

His touching act comes as the country prepares to bid a final farewell to Raila Odinga, whose burial will take place today, Sunday, October 19, 2025, at the Kang’o Ka Jaramogi family mausoleum in Bondo, Siaya County.

Earlier on Saturday, Raila’s younger sister and Kisumu Woman Representative, Ruth Odinga, shared an emotional message after visiting her brother’s freshly completed grave at the family mausoleum.

Also watch: Leaders break down in tears as they mourn Raila Odinga

She revealed that she had walked to their mother’s resting place to symbolically tell her that her son had finally come home, writing.

Ruth described the moment as both heartbreaking and healing, and thanked the people of Bondo for the love and solidarity they had shown during the mourning period.

“Mama, I brought back your son,” she wrote in an emotional post after her visit. I went to Kango Ka Jaramogi family mausoleum, specifically the grave of our beloved mother, Mama Mary Odinga, to tell her that her son, Raila Amollo Odinga, is back. Thank you, Bondo people, for the love you showed brought a smile to my grieving face. It is well,” she wrote.

Her message came shortly after a military aircraft carrying Raila’s remains landed at Opoda Farm at around 4.00 pm, where thousands of mourners gathered to welcome the opposition leader back home for the final time.

The emotional reception was marked by wails, chants as Mama Ida Odinga led the family in receiving the casket, which was draped in the Kenyan flag.

Raila’s remains were later taken for an overnight vigil ahead of today’s interment.

Also watch: Oburu Odinga appointed acting ODM leader after Raila’s death

Earlier in the day, thousands of mourners had gathered at Mamboleo Grounds in Kisumu to view the body, breaking into freedom songs and shedding tears as they filed past the casket.

Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo later explained that the decision to airlift Raila’s body from Kisumu to Bondo, instead of transporting it by road, was made after consultations with the National Funeral Steering Committee and the family to ensure a smooth and dignified transition.

“The body of the former Prime Minister will be flown directly to Bondo. We want to make sure the transition from Kisumu to his home is done smoothly and respectfully,” Omollo said.

Raila, who passed away on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, in Kerala, India, following a cardiac arrest, was 80 years old.

Also watch: Grief engulfs Opoda as mourners flock to Raila Odinga’s home

His passing has left a deep void in the nation, triggering an outpouring of grief and tributes from across the political divide.

The former prime minister, who served between 2008 and 2013, was widely celebrated as a fearless defender of democracy and justice.

His body was repatriated to Kenya on Thursday, October 16, where thousands thronged Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to receive him, prompting a change in security plans due to the overwhelming crowds.