Raila Odinga, Kenya’s long-serving opposition leader and former Prime Minister, was more than a political icon he was a master storyteller whose humour bridged divides and captured imaginations. His famous line, “Kitendawili… tega!” a cue that a riddle was coming became a cultural trademark during his rallies, blending entertainment with sharp political insight.
During the 2017 campaigns, Raila often used riddles to deliver coded political messages. At a rally in Busia, he described “a man who ran naked at night, got tired, and fell asleep,” concluding, “That man is Jubilee they’ve slept for four years doing nothing.” The crowd roared in laughter, recognizing his playful critique.
In Kisumu, he told of “a cat that turned wild and began eating chickens,” again using wit to symbolise political greed. Such riddles transformed his speeches into performances funny, relatable, and deeply resonant.
Raila’s humour also shone in national moments. During the 2019 Mashujaa Day celebrations, he quipped: “Swahili was born in Pate, grew up in Zanzibar, matured in Tanzania, got sick in Kenya, died in Uganda, and was buried in Rwanda.” Beneath the laughter lay a message about cultural preservation and regional identity.
His wit wasn’t just political t was cultural. The “Journey to Canaan” slogan in 2017 inspired countless memes, and when asked whether “Team Mafisi” would join the journey, Raila’s laughter-filled “Mafisi… yea!” response showed his ability to connect with youth culture.
Even in tense moments, he found humour. When critics attacked him, he retorted, “Insulting me is like pinching a donkey’s buttocks” a colourful Kiswahili metaphor that drew cheers from supporters.
Raila Odinga’s humour was never accidental; it was a tool of communication, persuasion, and unity. Through jokes and riddles, he translated complex politics into stories every Kenyan could understand cementing his legacy as the political humorist who made the nation laugh, think, and believe.
