TikToker who named newborn Raila Odinga defends reason for seeking help online
TikToker Awish Toto, who recently captured attention after naming her newborn baby Raila Odinga in honour of the late former Prime Minister, has defended her decision to seek help from the public after facing heavy criticism online.
The content creator, who has been documenting her motherhood journey on TikTok since welcoming her son, spoke candidly in a TikTok video on Thursday, October 23, 2025, addressing the backlash she received after appealing for assistance.
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She expressed disappointment over the harsh comments left under her posts, noting that some users had gone as far as mocking her child.
“Good afternoon, everyone. I just want to advise you that there is no one who dislikes being helped. Everyone would love to receive help when they need it. But the comments section has really shocked me. I am still wondering where some people get the audacity,” she said.
She lamented that the tone of the criticism had been unnecessarily cruel, adding that she was still struggling to recover from some of the remarks made about her baby.
Awish insisted that asking for help should not be seen as shameful, emphasising that every person, at one point in life, needs support in one way or another.
She reminded her followers that seeking help is a normal part of human experience and should not attract ridicule.
“I even came across another post where people were talking badly about my baby, and I have not yet healed from what was said. Please understand that everyone would love to be helped because seeking help is not a bad thing,” she added.
Her story comes at a time when the nation is still mourning the loss of the man her son was named after.
Raila Odinga was laid to rest on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at Kang’o Ka Jaramogi, in Bondo, Siaya County.
The private ceremony, attended by national leaders, family members, and a small circle of close allies, marked the final chapter of a historic life.
According to cultural customs observed during the ceremony, Raila was buried with two of his most iconic items, his trademark hat, known as Ogudu in Luo, and a ceremonial whisk, referred to as Orengo.
In Luo tradition, such items are symbols of leadership, wisdom, and dignity. The whisk, often carried by elders and respected figures, signifies authority and continuity, representing the enduring influence of the departed in the spiritual realm.
During the final rites, the Kenyan military also presented the national flag to Mama Ida in recognition of Raila’s lifetime of service and sacrifice for the nation.
Raila Odinga died on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at the age of 80 while receiving treatment at the Sreedhareeyam Ayurvedic Eye Hospital and Research Centre in Koothattukulam, Kerala, after suffering a sudden cardiac failure during his morning walk.
He was rushed to Devamatha Hospital, where doctors confirmed his death at 9:52 a.m., despite prolonged attempts to resuscitate him.
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Steve Ireri
Steve is a senior writer with over four years of experience in digital journalism. His focus is on the showbiz and human interest stories. Emails: [email protected] , [email protected]
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