BONDO, SIAYA COUNTY – In a powerful display of cultural diplomacy that extends beyond death, a youth orchestra from Gersthofen, Germany, performed a solemn tribute in early November 2025 at the Kang'o Ka Jaramogi mausoleum, the final resting place of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. Led by Mayor Michael Wörle, the 55-member orchestra’s visit illuminates a little-explored facet of the late statesman's life: his deep, personal, and enduring connection with Germany, a bond symbolized by a shared appreciation for beer and a humorous folk song.

The poignant tribute in Siaya County is a direct echo of an event that unfolded over a year earlier, in September 2024, in Berlin. Mr. Odinga, accompanying President William Ruto on a state visit, surprised a diaspora audience by breaking into a fluent rendition of the 1960s German Schlager song, “Es gibt kein Bier auf Hawaii” (“There is no beer in Hawaii”). With characteristic wit, he recounted the song's story of German tourists lamenting the lack of their favourite beverage in a tropical paradise, a tale he often used to humorously illustrate German culture.

The Berlin visit was multifaceted. Officially, the Kenyan delegation was there to sign a landmark Comprehensive Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement, designed to create employment and educational opportunities for Kenyans in Germany. Concurrently, Mr. Odinga was leveraging the platform to lobby for his candidacy as the next chairperson of the African Union Commission. Yet, it was this impromptu musical performance that left a lasting impression on Mayor Wörle, who was present at the event and was moved by the display of cultural fluency.

A Bond Forged in the Cold War

Mr. Odinga's connection to Germany was not a matter of casual acquaintance; it was forged during his formative years. In 1962, he moved to East Germany, then a part of the Soviet-aligned bloc, to pursue his higher education. He first attended the Herder Institution at the University of Leipzig to master the German language before earning a scholarship in 1965 to the Technische Hochschule in Magdeburg (now Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg). He graduated in 1970 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, and his fluency in the language became a lifelong asset.

This period during the Cold War provided him with a unique perspective on global affairs. His personal history was also intertwined with German engineering in a practical sense; in the early 1970s, he sold his German-made Opel car for KSh 12,000 to raise the seed capital for what would become his family's flagship business, the gas cylinder manufacturer East African Spectre.

Speaking from her Opoda farm home after the orchestra's performance, his widow, Mama Ida Odinga, recalled her late husband's fondness for the country and its culture. "My husband used to sing this song for me so many times," she stated, confirming the anecdote was a cherished part of their private life.

Soft Power and Economic Ties

While Mr. Odinga's personal affinity for Germany is now being celebrated, the official relationship between the two nations forms a critical backdrop. Germany is a key strategic partner for Kenya within the European Union. The diplomatic relationship has been focused on strengthening economic ties and development cooperation. In 2023, Kenyan exports to Germany—primarily coffee, tea, and flowers—were valued at approximately KSh 16 billion, while imports from Germany stood at KSh 39 billion, according to figures released by Trade Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya in October 2024. The balance of trade remains in Germany's favour, a fact Kenyan officials are keen to address through agreements like the one signed during the September 2024 visit.

In December 2024, the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding with its German counterpart, Afrika-Verein Der Deutschen Wirtschaft, to deepen economic collaboration and boost Kenyan exports. These formal partnerships are the bedrock of the bilateral relationship, but the Gersthofen orchestra's visit to Bondo is a testament to the power of personal, cultural connections—soft power—in cementing international friendships.

The tribute, born from a shared moment of humour and song in Berlin, has now transformed into a symbol of enduring respect. It underscores a legacy where diplomacy was not confined to boardrooms but was also conducted through understanding, cultural appreciation, and a shared song, ensuring that even after his death, Raila Odinga continues to build bridges between Kenya and the world.