Honoring Raila by Healing Wounds of the Struggle
In the wake of Raila Odinga’s passing, the nation is rightly celebrating “Baba,” a champion of democracy and a symbol of resilience . His legacy is etched into Kenya’s history—from his years of detention fighting for multi-party politics to his pivotal role in delivering our progressive Constitution . As we mourn, we are also called to reflect on how best to honor such a monumental life. Perhaps the most fitting tribute is not just in remembering his battles, but in finishing the work of healing for those who suffered in the long struggle for a more just Kenya. The best way to honor Raila Odinga is to ensure mental wellbeing and access to psychiatric care for the families of his supporters who endured police violence.
The Scars That Remain
For decades, the fight for political change has carried a heavy human cost. Among the most heartbreaking symbols of this cost is Baby Samantha Pendo. During the post-election protests in Kisumu in 2017, the six-month-old baby was fatally hit on the head by police officers deployed to quell demonstrations. Her name became a national outrage, a stark reminder of the brutality inflicted on civilians.
But Baby Pendo was not an isolated case. Human rights groups documented that the very police operations linked to her death led to the deaths, rape, and injuries of no less than 60 Kenyans in Kisumu County alone . Beyond that specific tragedy, organizations like Missing Voices have documented over 700 killings and serious injuries from police violence since 2007 . For the families of these victims, the pain is a constant companion. They are left grieving, often without justice, and as human rights reports note, the government provides no mental health support for these affected families . They are left to grapple with emotional trauma on their own, a silent and suffering legacy of the political turmoil.
A Legacy of Principle and Pragmatism
This is why linking healing to Raila’s legacy is so poignant. His political journey was defined by a commitment to justice for the common person. He knew the pain of state violence firsthand, having been detained without trial for six years and allegedly tortured. He emerged not with a thirst for vengeance, but with a pragmatic commitment to peace and dialogue, as shown by his willingness to form a coalition government after the 2007 crisis and his later 'Handshake' with former rivals.
Honoring him means embracing this same spirit of building and healing. It means applying the courage he showed in the political arena to the deeply personal, unseen wounds of trauma. Championing mental wellbeing for these families is not an admission of defeat; it is an act of completing the mission. It is the work of ensuring that the pursuit of democracy does not leave a trail of broken psyches in its wake.
A Call to Action: From Baba's Legacy to National Healing
A concrete, lasting tribute would be to establish a fund or a program dedicated to providing psychiatric care and counselling for the families of those killed or injured in political violence, starting with known cases like the Pendo family and extending to all others. This is not merely a charitable act; it is a matter of justice and reparation that allows families to find closure and move on with their lives.
This call for mental health support also intersects with another critical issue. The National Police Service itself has recognized a mental health crisis within its ranks, with the police chief stating that nearly 2,000 officers were found unfit to serve due to their mental health. A culture where seeking help is seen as weakness has bred a situation where officers use firearms against themselves or the public . Addressing the wellbeing of both the victims of police violence and the officers themselves is essential for breaking this tragic cycle.
Raila Odinga’s life was a testament to the fight for a freer, fairer Kenya. That freedom is not just political or economic; it is also the freedom from the haunting trauma of past violence. By turning our attention to the mental wellbeing of those who paid the highest price in the political struggles he led, we do more than build a statue or sing praises. We actively heal the nation he loved so much. We ensure that the flame of democracy he kindled also brings warmth and healing to those the struggle left behind. That would be a legacy worthy of Baba.
