Jamaican dancehall superstar Vybz Kartel has paid an emotional tribute to Kenya’s late former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga, whose death on 15 October 2025 plunged the nation into mourning.
The artiste, whose real name is Adidja Palmer, shared a touching post on TikTok featuring a video of himself lip-syncing to one of Raila’s famous speeches. In the clip, the ODM leader’s voice could be heard declaring, “I believe strongly that no matter the disagreements, our vision and disappointments, we are to have a country first.”
Kartel, popularly known as “World Boss,” captioned the post with the words, “RIP ‘BABA’ ODINGA”, using Raila’s affectionate nickname “Baba,” meaning father, widely used by Kenyans to refer to the veteran opposition leader.
@vybzkartel RIP TO THE LEGEND RAILA AMOLO ODINGA ??? #foreverkenya ♬ original sound – vybzkartel
The post quickly went viral, drawing thousands of comments from both Jamaican and Kenyan fans who praised the artist for showing solidarity with Kenya during a time of national grief.
Raila, fondly known by his initials RAO, was honoured by Kenya’s national carrier, Kenya Airways, codenaming the flight that brought his body to Kenya, RAO001. The acronym RAO stands for Raila Amollo Odinga, a name that has resonated with millions across African politics for decades.
The death of Raila Odinga has united Kenyans across political and social divides, with crowds taking to the streets in Kisumu, Nairobi, and parts of the Coast region waving flags and singing songs in his honour. In some areas, drivers were seen attaching leafy branches to their vehicles, a sign of mourning.
Vybz Kartel’s tribute added a global voice to the wave of condolences pouring in from leaders and celebrities worldwide. His post was shared widely across social media platforms, with many Kenyans describing it as a “powerful show of respect” from the Caribbean legend.
This is not the first time the Summertime hitmaker has expressed his affection for Kenya. In August, he caused a social media frenzy after appearing in a viral video wearing a customised red jersey emblazoned with a Kenyan emblem.
“Big up Kenya man, remember I’m a Kenyan and a Jamaican. One Kenya, you hear that!” Kartel said in the video.
Earlier this year, during a TikTok Live session, Kartel hinted at his dream to perform in Kenya, saying: “Tell the promoters Kartel is ready to come home!”
He even teased fans about a possible concert date, initially saying “2025” before later adding, “Maybe 2026 instead.”