Friday, November 14, 2025 - The late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s trusted barber of 15 years, Julius Kamau Kimani, has opened up on their last meeting before the former ODM leader died on October 15th.
During an interview by NTV Kenya’s Ashley Atieno, Kimani,
47, shared the untold story of his professional friendship with Odinga.
Their bond began in 2008 when Kimani joined the shop, and it
lasted until Odinga’s final haircut on August 1st, 2025.
According to Kimani, Raila, affectionately known as “Baba,”
consistently requested the same style, a plain number two cut.
The trust between the two was evident, with Kimani recalling
moments when Odinga would fall asleep mid‑trim.
For Kimani, Odinga was more than a customer; he was “a
teacher” and “a mirror of humility.”
Despite the simplicity of his visits, Odinga’s presence
transformed the shop.
Security detail inside and whispers outside signaled his
arrival, often boosting business.
Yet, amid the bustle, Odinga once posed a rare question to
Kimani: “What do you want most in life?”
On their final meeting, Kimani offered his answer.
“Because I have been trimming your hair, I’d also want to
serve the President,” he told Odinga.
Baba responded: “Even the president, itawezekana.”
After the haircut, Odinga paid for everyone present before
leaving.
That was their last meeting and following Baba’s passing, Kimani
says things have never been the same.
He says sales have dropped, and the leather chair Odinga
once occupied now feels profoundly heavy.
The Kenyan DAILY POST
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