Mourners chant ‘Raila usilale bado mapambano’ at State funeral
By Cynthia Lodite, October 17, 2025A section of mourners and former Prime Minister the late Raila Odinga’s supporters, who thronged Nyayo National Stadium, broke into Raila’s historic political song ‘bado mapambano‘ as the state funeral service began at the stadium.
The song, which was often sung by Raila while rallying his supporters on matters of democracy, was his signature song that united him with his supporters.
Also watch: Mombasa residents march in memory of Raila Odinga
Sometime back on January 25, 2023, Raila moved his followers by singing the song on national television before addressing the Orange Democratic Movement members.
“Wamama msilale, lale lale bado mapambano mapambano; Vijana msilale, lale lale bado mapambano; Wakenya msilale bado mapambano,” Raila sang at a past AZIMIO event.
In memory of Kenya’s iconic leader, the mourners could not let the memory pass, as they broke into huge crowds singing a replica of the song, including Raila’s name.
“Raila usilale, Raila usilale bado mapambano!” chanted the huge crowd at Nyayo National Stadium.
MPs honour Raila with famous ‘Jamican farewell’ song
As top leaders broke into an emotional wave at the National Assembly on Friday, October 17, 2025, members of Parliament led by Suba North Constituency Member of Parliament Millie Odhiambo led mourners in singing Raila Odinga’s favourite song.
The leaders who were dressed in black outfits brought Raila’s most loved hit to life as leaders led by President William Ruto lined up to pay their tributes to the late Raila Odinga, whose body was laid in Parliament buildings.
“Down the way where the nights are gay and the sun shines daily on the mountain top, I took a trip on a sailing ship, and when I reached Jamaica, I made a stop,” the Kenyan MPs sang the stanza.
The song, which mirrors the times and life of Raila Odinga, includes a stanza describing the sad events of a loss: ‘But I’m sad to say I’m on my way. Won’t be back for many a day. My heart is down, my head is turning around; I had to leave a little girl in Kingston Town.
The ‘Jamaican Farewell‘ song released by Don Williams was Raila’s favorite hit, as he was often seen singing a stanza so passionately on national television.