Thursday, October 23,
2025 - As Kenyans continue to mourn the late former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga,
touching stories about his humble side continue to emerge, revealing a man
deeply rooted in friendship, loyalty and simplicity.
One of such stories comes from Kambajo in Bondo, where
locals fondly remember a small pub that Baba
never failed to visit whenever he was around.
The joint, owned by his long-time friend Olang’o Nyabola, was
more than just a bar, it was a meeting spot filled with laughter, memories, and
nostalgia.
Olang’o Nyabola was Raila’s
close friend from primary school.
The two shared a lifelong bond that began in their early
days in Bondo and later stretched across continents.
Interestingly, both men left for Europe on the same day in 1957, flying
first to Khartoum, Sudan, then Egypt.
From there, Raila proceeded to Germany, while Olang’o went to Hungary, where he
studied English Literature
and History.
After completing his studies, Olang’o returned home and taught in a local primary school for 42
years before retiring to focus on dairy, goat, sheep, and coffee farming.
Speaking to local reporters, Olang’o recalled that he last spoke to Raila just last week on
Monday.
He described their conversation as warm and cheerful.
“Mzee was in very high spirits,” Olang’o said. “He even
promised to pass by the pub when he got back in a week.”
Sadly, that visit never came to be.
The Kenyan DAILY POST
0 Comments