“Where Is Raila?” — Akothee’s Father’s Heartbreaking Reaction

Kenyan singer and philanthropist Akothee has shared a deeply emotional account of her visit to sign the condolence book for the late Raila Odinga, revealing her father’s touching and heartbreaking reaction to the news of the opposition leader’s death.

In a post shared on her official Facebook page, Akothee recounted how her father, who has been battling dementia, was unable to comprehend why they were at the condolence venue.

“My dad still doesn’t know why we are here. He kept asking again and again why Raila isn’t coming to greet him,” she wrote.

According to the singer, her father repeatedly asked about Raila’s whereabouts until one of his brothers gently broke the news that the veteran politician had passed away.

“He shook his head and said, ‘No way, ng’atni ngima! WEKURU tugo koda, wuod nyar Odima ngima,’” Akothee wrote, quoting her father’s disbelief in Luo — loosely translating to, “No, he’s alive! Raila is alive, we’ll see him later.”

A heartbreaking moment

Akothee shared that when her father was finally handed the condolence book to sign, she was overcome with emotion to see that he could still write despite his condition.

“I was honestly shocked that my Dad can still write. But what he wrote, I struggled to read it, and the only word I could make out was ‘Daughter.’ So I asked him what he wrote, and he replied, ‘I am happy to see my daughter.’''

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The singer revealed that the moment made her realize her father had not fully processed where they were or why they were there — only that he was happy to see her after months apart.

“That’s when it hit me — the only thing he has processed up until now is that I am with him after not seeing him for four months. This reality is heavy. Dementia is real. He still doesn’t understand why we are here.”

Akothee concluded the post by saying that the family decided to tell him they had simply come to visit and that they would “go to see Raila tomorrow.”

Fans and public react with empathy

The emotional post quickly went viral, with thousands of Kenyans expressing sympathy and admiration for Akothee’s openness about her father’s health condition.

Many praised her for highlighting the challenges families face when caring for loved ones living with dementia — a condition often misunderstood or stigmatized in African communities.

''Lucky dad but Dementia is a tough journey...It's usually advised to say the truth....In this case it's best to tell him and remind him as many times as possible that Raila is no more. However, if it causes distress, then maybe avoid reminding them, divert attention and prioritize wellbeing.All the best!'' A fan commented .