Kenya Quakes with the Passing of an African Giant
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On October 15, former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga passed away in Kochi, India at the age of 80 while undergoing medical treatment. The nation marked his remembrance with a 7-day mourning period and a 17-gun salute held in his honour as a patriot, commonly revered as ‘Baba’.
His mourning period turned stark when at least four people were killed and dozens injured, following violent attempts by police to disperse crowds during the public viewing of his body at Kasarani Stadium. As many reflected on Odinga’s legacy, he stood out as a global diplomat, regional statesman and central figure in Kenya’s struggle for multiparty democracy and constitutional reform.
Earlier this year, his bid for the African Union Chairpersonship was positioned to mirror his enduring vision of a united and self-reliant Africa. His passing now marks the end of an era and leaves a profound and tumultuous void in Kenya’s political landscape with 2027 elections looming.
Honourable Mentions:
Legacy Takes Flight as Nike x Air Afrique Elevate African Sneaker Culture
Nike partnered with Paris-based Air Afrique to launch the Air Max RK61 sneaker – a cultural homage to the iconic West African airline Air Afrique, originally headquartered in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. It is Nike’s first Africa-first product launch, blending history, Afro-diasporic art, and sneaker culture. The collaboration speaks to African consumers, global sneaker enthusiasts, and anyone passionate about cultural storytelling and innovation.
African NBA Stars Fuel Local Dreams
African-born NBA stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Pascal Siakam, OG Anunoby, and rookie Khaman Maluach are raising the bar in the 2025 season, fuelling NBA Africa’s profile and inspiring a new generation. This is expected to motivate local sports bodies to invest more in training, grow basketball leagues, and nurture homegrown talent for fans, aspiring athletes, and the wider African sports community.
Blankets & Wine Nairobi Celebrates Great Hits and Laments Misses
Nairobi’s September 2025 Blankets & Wine pulled a record crowd and global stars, but faced backlash over poor sound, service, and delays. Still, moments like Tems’ show-stopping performance and the celebrated set by Uganda’s Joshua Baraka and Kenya’s Bien-Aimé showcased the festival’s cultural richness. The mixed experience sparked reflection for artists, organisers, and premium audiences seeking world-class East African live events.
