A youth orchestra from Germany staged a heartfelt performance at Opoda Farm in Bondo to celebrate and honour the life and legacy of the late Rt Honourable Raila Odinga.
The JUGGE Youth Orchestra filled the evening with stirring harmonies, including a rendition of the timeless Kenyan classic Jambo Bwana, as the tribute extended late into the night.
The 65-member ensemble, accompanied by nine chaperones and led by the Mayor of Gersthofen City, Michael Wörle, travelled thousands of kilometres from Gersthofen, Germany, to the Odinga family home in Siaya County.
Their visit was a gesture of deep respect for a man whose political vision and struggle for democracy resonated far beyond Kenya’s borders.
After the orchestra’s performance, local artist Matete Kothuro Orutu took to the stage, performing traditional Luo songs that paid homage to Raila’s heritage and enduring influence.
German Ambassador to Kenya Sebastian Groth praised the visit, writing on social media: “Youth from Bavaria visit Nyanza to honour the late Honourable Raila Odinga.”
Kenyans online were moved by the tribute.
“I hope after all this, there will be a documentary on the events that unfolded during and after the burial of Raila,” tweeted Chao.
Another user, Ron Juxton, wrote: “What a man! I knew he was great, but this is a whole new level of GREAT. RIP RAO001.”
Opoda Farm has become a site of pilgrimage for many since Raila’s passing, drawing local and international visitors eager to pay their respects.
In recent weeks, dignitaries including former Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo, former Attorney General Amos Wako, Chief Justice Martha Koome, former First Lady Mama Ngina Kenyatta, PLP Party Leader Martha Karua, and Busia Governor Paul Otuoma have all visited the family to offer their condolences.
Mayor Wörle’s visit to Bondo came as part of a broader cultural and tourism exchange programme between Gersthofen and Kenyan partners.