The passing of Raila Odinga marked the end of one of the most defining political eras in Kenya’s history. His influence, sacrifices, and leadership shaped generations of political thought and activism across the country.

But one truth must now be accepted—Raila is gone.

He cannot speak. He cannot respond. He cannot return to settle political disputes or babysit the ambitions of those still alive.

Yet, many leaders continue to drag his name into every political conversation, constantly saying, “Raila wanted this” or “Raila said this before he died,” as though his legacy must remain a permanent political shield for those unwilling to stand on their own.

At some point, political maturity must prevail.

The leaders who rose through Raila’s mentorship—those who benefited from his courage, his political networks, his sacrifices, and the trust of his supporters—must now grow up and define their own paths.

Politics cannot be inherited forever through borrowed words and emotional manipulation.

If you want leadership, earn it.

If you want power, fight for it.

Speak for yourself.

This endless dependence on the voice of a man who is no longer here risks turning legacy into political superstition. It becomes less about honoring him and more about using his memory as a shortcut to relevance.

In African tradition, a child who refuses to stop breastfeeding long after the mother is gone becomes a village embarrassment.

The same applies in politics.

Raila’s grave should not become a political kitchen where leaders go to warm yesterday’s food because they are too afraid to cook their own.

Legacy should inspire courage, not dependency.

Respecting the dead means allowing them to rest—not constantly summoning their names for convenience in every succession battle and party disagreement.

Kenya needs leaders who can stand in the present, not politicians hiding behind the shadows of the past.

Let the dead be dead.

Let the living do living things.

And let Raila’s name remain a legacy of history—not a political crutch for those unwilling to build their own future.