Today, a quiet but profound energy swept across Kenya. It is January 7, 2026, a date that for decades was marked by colorful cakes, political rallies, and the boisterous laughter of a man who moved the nation.

While the “Enigma of Kenyan Politics” is no longer with us in the flesh, his first posthumous birthday proved that the spirit of Raila Amolo Odinga is very much alive.

Across the country, the day was affectionately dubbed “Baba @ 80+1.” It wasn’t just a number; it was a testament to a journey that began in Maseno in 1945 and refused to end even after his transition in October 2025.

In Mombasa, the air was thick with nostalgia. Mining CS Hassan Joho, a man who long stood as Raila’s political student and lieutenant, led a “Coastal Salute” to his mentor.

His words echoed the sentiment of many: “Resilience is not the absence of struggle, but the courage to walk through it with purpose.” Joho’s tribute reminded us that while the physical tractor, the Tinga, has rested, the fields he plowed are now yielding a new generation of leaders.

The digital landscape was equally vibrant. From the hills of Central to the shores of Lake Victoria, social media was flooded with the hashtag #Baba81.

Wiper Party leader, Kalonzo Musyoka, shared a poignant reflection, honoring a “brother” whose fight for multiparty democracy and social justice became the blueprint for modern Kenya.

Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga kept it simple and soulful, posting a message that resonated with the core of the ODM faithful: “Forever in our hearts, Jakom.”

The most moving part of the day was the family’s message of gratitude. They looked back on the months since his passing, thanking Kenyans for the warmth that has sustained them.

They spoke of a man who was a towering statesman on the world stage, acknowledged by leaders from New Delhi to Addis Ababa, but who was, at his heart, a father and a teacher.

As we look at the Kenya of 2026, it is impossible not to see his fingerprints on our democracy.

His resilience through detention, his unwavering pursuit of the 2010 Constitution, and his ability to unite the country through a “Handshake” or a “Broadband Government” remain his greatest gifts.

Raila Odinga didn’t just lead; he awakened. And as the sun sets on this January 7th, the message from every corner of the republic is clear, the man has rested, but the movement continues.