A rare and deeply emotional moment
unfolded on Friday as President William Ruto sang one of former Prime Minister
Raila Odinga’s favourite pieces.
In a hushed Nyayo National Stadium,
Ruto softly began to hum the familiar tune of “Jamaica Farewell” by Harry
Belafonte.
His voice carried through the air,
with the emotional lyrics:
“Down the way where the nights are
gay,
And the sun shines daily on the mountain top,
I took a trip on a sailing ship,
And when I reached Jamaica I made a stop…”
It was a moment that few expected, the
head of state paying tribute through a song that Raila himself had often sung
at family gatherings, political podiums, televised interviews and moments of relaxation.
Ruto paused midway, as the DJ at
the venue queued the original recording.
As Belafonte’s mellow voice
filled the stadium, the crowd rose to their feet, hundreds singing along in
unison.
“Sad to say, I’m on my way, won’t be
back for many a day. My heart is down, my head is turning around, I had to
leave a little girl in Kingston Town,”
echoed across the field.
When the song ended, President Ruto thanked
the mourners for honoring Raila with the song.
“Thank you very much. Today, those
words ring with profound meaning, significance, and impact. Our elder
statesman, the Honorable Raila, is sailing in a ship, not to Jamaica, but to
home beyond.”
“He will not be back with us for
many a day,” Ruto continued, “but he leaves behind many little girls and boys, not
in Kingstown, but here in Nairobi, Kisumu, Mandera, Vihiga, Mombasa, Kakamega,
and every village and valley across our land.”
The President’s voice grew firm, yet
reverent.
“Baba has finished his race. He has
served his people and humanity. It is our solemn prayer to the Almighty God
that the soil of the land which Hon Raila so tirelessly served shall embrace
him with grace. That the nation he sacrificed for shall eternally cherish his
memory, and the people for whom he fought shall carry his dream forward.”
Raila’s love for “Jamaica Farewell”
was well known among family, friends, and Kenyans.
He would often sing it during various gatherings, sometimes with a faraway look in his eyes.
