An emotional pilgrimage to Kang’o Ka Jaramogi sees the JCM founder honoring the fallen enigma of Kenyan politics, sparking debates on succession and the enduring weight of the Odinga legacy.

It has been four months since the tectonic plates of Kenyan politics shifted irrevocably with the passing of Raila Amolo Odinga in October 2025. Yet, the path to his final resting place in Bondo remains a well-trodden route for those seeking clarity, closure, or political anointing. Bishop Ben Kiengei’s recent visit to the mausoleum at Kang’o Ka Jaramogi was more than a clerical duty; it was a potent symbol of the bridging of ethnic and political divides that the late Premier championed in his final years. Standing before the marble grave, the JCM founder’s words, "The King died, but long live the crown," echoed with a resonance that went beyond mere eulogy.

The Weight of the Crown

Kiengei’s tribute highlights the vacuum left by "Baba." The "crown" he refers to is not a monarch’s headgear but the mantle of liberation and advocacy for the downtrodden that Raila wore for five decades. The Bishop, known for his charismatic and often controversial pulpit style, appeared visibly moved, reflecting the sentiment of a nation that is still grappling with the reality of a Kenya without Odinga. "He was not just a leader for Nyanza; he was the conscience of the nation," Kiengei noted, a statement that seems to challenge the current political class to rise above the petty squabbles that have defined the post-Raila era.

The visit also carries subtle political undertones. In Kenya, proximity to the Odinga legacy is still a currency of immense value. By paying homage, Kiengei aligns himself with the progressive forces and the history of the Second Liberation. It is a reminder that while the man is gone, the ideals he stood for—devolution, equity, and constitutionalism—remain the bedrock of the republic. The mausoleum itself has become a pilgrimage site, transforming Bondo into a Jerusalem for Kenyan democrats.

• A Nation in Mourning: The gloom that descended on Nairobi upon his death in India has not fully lifted. The political temperature has cooled, replaced by a reflective somberness that Kiengei’s visit perfectly captured.
• The Succession Question: While Kiengei proclaimed "Long live the crown," the question on every lip remains: who wears it? The fractured opposition has yet to coalesce around a single heir, making these pilgrimages largely about seeking spiritual rather than political direction.

Echoes in Eternity

As Kiengei left the serene grounds of Kang’o Ka Jaramogi, the message was clear: Raila Odinga may be buried, but he is not silent. His legacy continues to shape the discourse, influence alliances, and define the moral compass of the country. For the Bishop, and for Kenya, the act of remembering is an act of defiance against forgetting the struggle. The crown lives on, heavy and waiting, for a head worthy enough to bear it.