A Symbolic Tribute

A 65-member German youth orchestra held a special performance in honour of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga at his Opoda Farm in Bondo, Siaya County, on the evening of Wednesday, November 5, 2025. The Jugendorchester Gersthofen – Schwäbische Bläserbuben e.V. (JUGGE), comprised of musicians aged between 9 and 18, travelled from the Bavarian city of Gersthofen to pay their respects, a gesture described as one of the most moving since Mr. Odinga's passing on October 15, 2025.

The orchestra's visit was led by the Mayor of Gersthofen, Michael Wörle. The performance, which included a rendition of the classic Kenyan song "Jambo Bwana," was part of a broader cultural and development tour in Kenya. German Ambassador to Kenya, Sebastian Groth, acknowledged the event on social media, stating: “Youth from Bavaria visit Nyanza to honour the late Honourable Raila Odinga.” While the full repertoire of the performance is not confirmed, the event was also graced by traditional Luo music from local artist Matete Kothuro Orutu. FURTHER INVESTIGATION REQUIRED.

Deepening Kenya-Germany Ties

The orchestra's visit highlights a strategic partnership formalized between the County Government of Kisumu and the City of Gersthofen in November 2024. The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), signed by Kisumu Deputy Governor Dr. Mathew Owili and Mayor Wörle, established a framework for cooperation in several key areas: economic development, environmental sustainability, technical and vocational training (TVET), and the improvement of municipal services.

A tangible outcome of this partnership is a 200,000-euro (approximately KSh 28.5 million) project funded by Gersthofen to support the solarization and refurbishment of water and sanitation facilities in Chulaimbo and Kuoyo, Kisumu West. During the MOU signing, Mayor Wörle emphasized the shared values between the two cities and expressed confidence that the partnership would yield long-term benefits for both communities. The partnership also extends to Baringo County, focusing on improving water supply.

This sub-national collaboration reflects the long-standing diplomatic relationship between Kenya and Germany. The Federal Republic of Germany was the first nation to officially recognize Kenya's independence in 1963. Today, cooperation spans various sectors, including climate action, trade, and education, with Germany supporting numerous TVET institutions across Kenya to boost youth employment.

Opoda Farm: A Site of Pilgrimage

Since Mr. Odinga was laid to rest at his ancestral home, Kang'o ka Jaramogi, on October 19, 2025, the nearby Opoda Farm has received a continuous stream of local and international visitors paying homage to the late political icon. The German orchestra's visit is one of the most unique international tributes to date.

Dignitaries who have visited the family, led by his widow Mama Ida Odinga, include former Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo, former President Uhuru Kenyatta, and Chief Justice Martha Koome. The sustained influx of visitors from diverse backgrounds—from political delegations to boda boda riders and church groups—has transformed the once-quiet rural home into a site of national pilgrimage, reflecting Mr. Odinga's enduring influence on Kenyan society. While the Odinga family has received numerous delegations, a specific statement regarding the orchestra's performance was not available at the time of publication. DETAILS UNCONFIRMED.

The performance by the Jugendorchester Gersthofen serves as a powerful example of cultural diplomacy, strengthening the bonds between the people of Kenya and Germany beyond formal political and economic agreements. It underscores the global resonance of Mr. Odinga's legacy and the deep connections forged through shared values and mutual respect.