Kondele residents hold night vigil for Raila Odinga
As the nation continues to mourn the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Kisumu residents held a solemn night vigil at the iconic Kondele roundabout, a place deeply intertwined with his political journey and grassroots support.
Hundreds of mourners flocked to the roundabout on Thursday night, October 16, 2025, lighting candles and chanting “Jowi, Jowi”, a Luo phrase meaning “buffalo,” symbolising bravery and strength, traits they said defined Raila throughout his life.
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The soft glow of countless candles illuminated the night as residents sang songs celebrating the man they fondly called Baba.
A giant screen was mounted at the roundabout to allow mourners to follow the live broadcast of the procession and public viewing at Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi.
Powerful sound systems played songs composed by various artists in memory of the late former prime minister, turning the atmosphere into one of reflection, sorrow, and celebration.
John Ouma, a resident of Obunga, said he and his friends planned to spend the entire night at the vigil listening to the songs and remembering Raila’s legacy.
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“Raila was like our tin god. In his honour and the love we had for him, today and tomorrow we will light candles here at Kondele, popularly known as Baba’s bedroom,” he said.
Rose Anyango, another mourner, said she had prepared supper early to attend the vigil with her husband.
“I told my husband to bring food on time so we wouldn’t be late for the vigil. After we ate, we locked the house and told our children not to open the door for anyone else until we return,” she said.
For years, Raila Odinga’s visits to Kisumu were never complete without a stop at Kondele, where thousands would gather to listen to his speeches and demonstrate their unwavering loyalty.
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The roundabout, long considered a stronghold of his support, has been a symbol of both passion and defiance in his political story.
At the height of political tensions, opponents who clashed with Raila’s supporters often faced hostility.
Among them was President William Ruto, whose motorcade was pelted with stones in the lead-up to the 2022 General Election.
That hostility has since eased following the formation of the broad-based government with Raila, transforming Ruto into a figure now accepted by some residents.
On Saturday, October 18, 2025, Raila’s cortege is expected to pass through the same roundabout on its way to Mamboleo Stadium, where thousands more are anticipated to gather for his final send-off.
