Eleven years ago, Japheth Muriuki from Meru captured the hearts of Kenyans when he coined the famous slogan, “Baba, while you were away,” to welcome back former Prime Minister Raila Odinga from a political trip to the United States.
The slogan, which quickly went viral, expressed the frustrations many Kenyans felt under the then government and celebrated Raila’s return as a sign of hope.
Muriuki, who described Raila as “the father of democracy and a defender of the people,” had even gone to court at the time to secure permission for supporters to welcome Raila peacefully at the airport.
On that historic day years ago, Raila was met by thousands of jubilant supporters who followed him from the airport to the center of Nairobi, waving flags and chanting songs of unity.
Muriuki, however, was heartbroken when he was not allowed to get close to his political idol by some party leaders, despite his role in popularizing the slogan.
Fast-forward to 2025, Muriuki once again found himself in the spotlight—this time under very painful circumstances.
While attending Raila Odinga’s burial in Bondo, Muriuki revealed that his wife had passed away on the same day that the opposition leader died. “I left my wife in the mortuary to come and bury Baba,” he said tearfully. “I have voted for Raila six times; he was my friend, business partner, and political mentor. I will bury my wife on November 7.”
Despite his grief, Muriuki said he felt it was important to honor Raila, a man whose vision for democracy and justice he deeply admired. “What he started, we will finish. His legacy of fighting for human rights and economic liberation must live on,” he vowed.
Thousands of mourners gathered in Bondo for Raila’s burial, among them top political figures, athletes, and ordinary citizens. Olympic champion Faith Kipyegon mourned Raila as a man who inspired her to break barriers, while Kenyans in the diaspora described him as “more than a politician — a symbol of courage and change.”
Scenes of deep sorrow were witnessed as Raila’s body was taken from Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology to his final resting place.
Some mourners broke down in tears, while others sang liberation songs, praying for peace and unity in Kenya.
For Japheth Muriuki, the moment was bittersweet — a farewell to both his beloved wife and the man he had called “Baba.”
Japheth Muriuki, the man behind the iconic slogan “Baba While You Were Away,” mourned the death of his wife just days after attending Raila Odinga’s burial.
Despite his personal loss, Muriuki chose to honor Raila first, describing him as his lifelong inspiration and mentor.
