As Kenyans continue to mourn the late former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga, touching stories about his humble and human side continue to emerge — revealing a man deeply rooted in friendship, loyalty, and simplicity.
One such story comes from Kambajo in Bondo, where locals fondly remember a small roadside pub that Baba never failed to visit whenever he was around.
The pub, owned by his long-time friend Olang’o Nyabola, was more than just a bar — it was a quiet retreat filled with laughter, memories, and nostalgia.
Olang’o was Raila’s close friend since primary school.
Their friendship spanned more than six decades — from their boyhood in Bondo to their years abroad in Europe.
Interestingly, both men left for Europe on the same day in 1957, first flying to Khartoum, Sudan, then Egypt.
From there, Raila proceeded to Germany, while Olang’o went to Hungary, where he pursued a degree in English Literature and History.
After completing his studies, Olang’o returned to Kenya 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 said he last spoke to Raila just last week on Monday, describing their final 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.
To the people of Bondo, that humble pub now stands as a symbol of friendship, humility, and the unbreakable bond between Raila Odinga and his childhood friend — a place where history, laughter, and legacy intertwined.
Read More:
