Raila Odinga’s Vitendawili: From campaign trail to family tradition

During his political campaigns, Raila Odinga captivated audiences with his signature call: “Kitendawili!” to which crowds would eagerly respond, “Tega!”

He would then present a riddle, often laced with political commentary, and conclude with “Nipeni mji!” inviting the crowd to guess the answer. 

This engaging style earned him the moniker “Yule Mzee wa Vitendawili” (The Old Man of Riddles) from his competitors, including former President Uhuru Kenyatta and current President William Ruto.

Raila’s son, Raila Junior, recently shared that these riddles were not confined to the campaign trail. 

“Among the things we remember about our father is his vitendawili,” he said during the final service at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) in Bondo.

Winnie Odinga, his daughter, fondly recalled their home as a “vitendawili testing ground,” where their father would challenge them with trivia and puzzles. 

“Dad was a very social man. He was the enigma out there, but at home, Raila was a family man who would give us vitendawili,” she remarked during a public service at Nyayo Stadium on Friday. 

These riddles, often delivered in Dholuo or Kiswahili, were more than just entertainment. They served as metaphors for the political landscape, offering insights into Raila’s views and strategies.

 For instance, during a rally in Busia on June 25, 2017, he posed a riddle: “Kitendawili… Tega! Alikimbia usiku uchi akachoka akalala fo fo fo. Alipoamka asubuhi alipata aibu kubwa. Yeye ni nani? Yeye ni nani? Yeye ni nani?… Mmeshindwa. Mnipatie mji… Busia… Huyo ni mchawi, huyo ni Jubilee. Miaka nne wamelala fofofo.” 

Through these riddles, Raila not only entertained but also educated and united his supporters, leaving a legacy that continues to resonate within his family and the nation.