A View from the Barber’s Chair

NAIROBI - In the quiet, unassuming space of Razzle Dazzle Barbershop & Spa on Nairobi’s bustling Kimathi Street, a unique perspective on the life of the late statesman Raila Amolo Odinga has emerged. For more than 15 years, Julius Kamau Kimani, 47, was more than just a barber to the former Prime Minister; he was a confidant, a regular presence in Odinga’s life, and a witness to the private humility of a very public man. His story provides a deeply personal epilogue to the legacy of a leader mourned by the nation following his passing on Wednesday, October 15, 2025.

Mr. Kimani’s professional relationship with the man affectionately known as “Baba” began in 2009. From then until their final session on Friday, August 1, 2025, Kimani was the exclusive barber for the opposition leader. “From then until August 1, 2025, I never missed a single session when he came for his haircut. That was the very last time I saw him alive,” Kimani recalled in an interview with the Daily Nation on Thursday, November 13, 2025.

Humility Beyond the Headlines

While Kenya knew Odinga as a political titan who shaped its democratic journey for decades, Kimani remembers a client devoid of arrogance. “He never came with pride. He'd greet everyone, from the receptionist to the youngest barber,” Kimani stated. This portrait of humility was a recurring theme. Odinga would often ask, “Habari yako, kijana?” and inquire about the staff's families, creating a personal connection that transcended his stature. Over the years, this bond grew, with Odinga affectionately calling Kimani “the son of Mwangi wa Iria” due to his roots in Murang’a, a testament to his ability to make people feel seen.

This unassuming nature was on full display during his visits. According to Kimani, Odinga never demanded special treatment and would wait his turn like any other customer. One anecdote shared by a fellow patron, Ahmed, highlighted a moment when Odinga arrived to find a 10-year-old boy in the chair. Instead of asserting his presence, the former Prime Minister humbly asked the boy for permission to go first. Afterwards, Odinga paid for everyone’s haircut and generously tipped the staff. It was these quiet acts of kindness, away from the political rallies and television cameras, that defined the man for those at Razzle Dazzle.

The Ritual of the Cut

The grooming session itself was a consistent ritual. Odinga’s preferred style was a simple, neat “plain size 2 haircut.” His hair, naturally grey, was dyed with ‘Just for Men’ to maintain his signature black hue, a detail Kimani noted was part of the discipline and public image Odinga carefully maintained. The full service, including a scalp treatment with premium products, cost KSh 5,000.

Their conversations were often light, touching on life, family, and politics, though Kimani noted Odinga never appeared stressed, even during times of intense national tension. “He was calm, composed, and full of stories,” Kimani said, adding that Odinga was so relaxed he would sometimes fall asleep during the shave. During their last conversation on August 1, Odinga had asked Kimani if he had found the small piece of land (‘shamba’) in Machakos they had previously discussed, a promise left unfulfilled by his untimely death.

A Nation’s Loss, A Barber’s Memory

Raila Odinga passed away at the age of 80 after suffering a cardiac arrest while receiving medical treatment in Kerala, India. His death sent a wave of grief across Kenya and the East Africa region, prompting tributes from across the political spectrum and a declaration of a seven-day national mourning period by President William Ruto. Leaders lauded him as a champion of democracy and a central figure in the nation's history.

For Julius Kimani, the loss was profoundly personal. He lost not just a high-profile client, but a mentor and a friend who, in his words, “changed my life.” His recollections, offered from the unique vantage point of the barber’s chair, paint a picture of a statesman whose public fortitude was matched by a private grace. In a nation accustomed to the grand narratives of its political leaders, the simple, humanising memories from a Nairobi barbershop provide a poignant and lasting tribute to the man behind the headlines.