How Raila Odinga’s Death Changed Akothee’s Perspective on Her Inner Circle

Six months after the passing of the veteran Kenyan politician Raila Odinga, renowned musician and businesswoman Akothee has shared a poignant and personal message directed at the man many called Baba.

The social media post, which quickly gained traction, highlights the singer's deep sense of loss and her growing frustration with the current state of Kenyan politics.

A Personal Toll

Akothee, whose real name is Esther Akoth, did not hold back her emotions. She described how the death of the former Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader had a profound psychological impact on her life.

She noted that his passing "triggered something deep" inside her, leading to a newfound difficulty in trusting those in her inner circle.

The entrepreneur also touched upon her own personal struggles during this period of mourning. She candidly mentioned that she is finding it hard to navigate the current "confusion" while dealing with the physical and emotional changes of menopause.

“Your death triggered something deep in me, and right now I find it hard to trust the people around me. If you woke up today, trust me, you would probably prefer going back to your 6 by 4 than witnessing what is happening now,” Akothee wrote.

Confusion Within the Party

The core of Akothee’s inquiry focused on the perceived instability within the ODM, the party Raila Odinga led for decades. According to her post, the movement appears to have fractured into two distinct groups: "Linda Wananchi" and "Linda Ground."

The singer expressed a sense of political aimlessness following the loss of her mentor. She asked the late leader which side he would support, stating that she wished to follow his lead to escape the current uncertainty.

“Baba, I have a question for you. You left us in ODM, but now I hear there are two sides Linda Wananchi and Linda Ground. Which side are you on so I can follow you there? Because honestly, I cannot continue living in this confusion with my menopausal brain.”

A Commitment to Peace in Migori

Despite her evident distress over the party's direction, Akothee ended her message with a firm vow of non-violence. She addressed the upcoming electoral processes, particularly in her home county of Migori.

She assured her followers—and the memory of the late politician—that she and her community would not become "part of the casualties" of political infighting. Instead, she committed to exercising her democratic rights through peaceful voting.