City tailor Bolo Bespoke has stirred heated debate after making bold remarks following the burial of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. The designer attended the ceremony in Bondo, Siaya County, and shared a photo alongside President William Ruto at the gravesite — a moment that quickly became the subject of online discussion.
Standing Beside the President at a Historic Ceremony
During the burial, Bolo and President Ruto participated in the symbolic act of throwing soil into Raila’s grave, standing shoulder to shoulder. The solemn event brought together dignitaries including former President Uhuru Kenyatta and Nigeria’s Olusegun Obasanjo, all paying tribute to Raila’s legacy as a Pan-African leader and champion of democracy.
After the event, Bolo posted on social media: “Thank you, William Samoei Ruto, for standing side by side with me during this historic moment in our nation, as we lay to rest Hon. Raila Amollo Odinga in peace.”
“I Am the New Luo Kingpin” — Bolo’s Bold Declaration
On October 29, during a press briefing alongside musician Prince Indah, Bolo elaborated on his moment with the president. When asked how the opportunity came about, he responded confidently: “It is because I am the new Luo kingpin. Do you know what it means to stand with the president of the country? The bottom line is that I am the new kingpin.”
He went on to pay tribute to Raila, saying, “Raila is a Pan-African, and we know what he did for us. He is the father of democracy — this freedom we enjoy right now is because of him.”
Mixed Reactions and Online Debate
Bolo’s declaration quickly went viral, dividing public opinion. Supporters commended his confidence and symbolic presence, while critics accused him of chasing clout and using a national mourning event for publicity. Others questioned the meaning of his claim to be a “Luo kingpin,” debating whether it was political, cultural, or purely metaphorical.
Politics, Celebrity, and Symbolism
The incident reflects Kenya’s growing intersection of celebrity influence and political symbolism. Bolo’s presence beside the head of state at such a high-profile moment fueled discussions about visibility, power, and identity within Kenya’s creative and political circles.
Honoring Legacy Through Architecture and Memory
The burial ceremony also showcased elaborate mausoleums of prominent Kenyans, including leaders and cultural figures, with architectural designs that symbolized legacy and reverence — further emphasizing the grandeur of the day.
Aftermath and Public Perception
Bolo Bespoke’s self-proclaimed status as the “new Luo kingpin” continues to trend across social media platforms. Whether seen as a bold statement of identity or an attempt at personal branding, the declaration underscores the growing role of public personalities in shaping Kenya’s cultural and political narratives.
