- Julius Kamau Kimani, Raila Amolo Odinga’s barber, recounted fond memories of the late political leader
- The 47-year-old man, with 25 years of experience, served as Baba’s faithful barber for 17 years without fail.
- The Nairobi man remembered the fallen politician’s promise, which he did not fulfill due to his sudden death
It has been several weeks since the burial of the leader of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), Raila Amolo Odinga, but his memory and legacy continue to remain.
Source: Youtube
Kimani opened up emotionally about her relationship with the former vice president. He met Raila in 2008 when he moved to a barber shop known as Ashleys.
The last day of Raila Odinga when was it at the barber shop?
“He gave me a name that everyone started calling me. Whenever Raila came, they would tell me,” Kimani said.
The barber, who not only shaped the image but also occasionally history, recounted Raila’s offer to him which, to luck bad, it didn’t happen.
Raila once asked him what he wanted most in life, a question that Kimani should have pondered before the politician’s next visit.
The next time Raila arrived, Friday, August 1, 2025, which was the last day to shave, Kimani finally got an answer.
Raila asks to cut a line at the barber shop
“Since I had shaved him, I told him I would like to shave President William Samoei Ruto. In fact, the word he said was, ‘It is possible.’ I was hopeful,” he said.
That same day, the family was coming for a haircut when they saw Raila’s generosity first hand.
The little boy, Maliq Ahmed Ibrahim, and his father Ahmed Ibrahim, were waiting to get a new look.
“Raila came and said to me, ‘Maliq, let me cut the line,’ and I let him,” the nine-year-old remembered clearly.
Raila Odinga gives a lift to workers in a barbershop
Ibrahim, Maliq’s father, narrated a special gesture that Raila showed not only to customers but also to employees.
“When he finished, he paid everyone, me and Mali, and gave a good tip to all the people who served him. Then he left. We didn’t know that it would be the last time we saw him,” he said bitterly.
Since then, Kimani, who now works at Razzle Dazzle Barbershop on Kimathi Street, said the barber shop feels different, knowing Raila is no longer there.
The laughter has died down, the rare conversation has ended, and the leather chair where Raila, who always asked for a double number cut, once sat now feels like an empty space.
Kenyans are talking about Raila’s barber skills
Social media users filled the comments section with touching sentiments as they reminisced about the fallen political leader:
Festus Saya:
“A man’s most trusted service provider is his lawyer and barber.”
Steve Oguso:
“I would charge a premium to any customer who wants to shave with Dad’s machine. Kimani, there’s a business idea.”
Kenn Kimtai:
“Where is he? I have to go shave where Dad used to shave.”
Ezra Omondi:
“Where is that place? I want to taste the place where Dad used to shave. Pin the location, man.”
kimutai.co.ke:
“Now we are waiting for Baba’s exercise teacher to also tell us about his experience with Baba. The next one will be an expert in Baba’s porridge mixture.”
Source: Facebook
Kenyans praise the beauty team that helped Ida prepare for Raila’s funeral
In another story, Kenyans congratulated the team that prepared him Ida Odinga during the funeral of her late husband.
Her appearance, from her hair to her make-up and dress, left many saying that Raila’s widow looked regal.
They appreciated the team that took their time to honor him, saying they did not abandon the grieving family.
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