Congolese musicians M’bilia Bel, Kanda Bongo Man mourn Raila Odinga
Congolese music legends M’bilia Bel and Kanda Bongo Man have joined Kenyans in mourning the passing of Raila Odinga.
Odinga died in the early hours of October 15 of cardiac arrest in India at the age of 80, while receiving treatment at the Ayurvedic clinic in Kerala state. He was later transferred to the Devamatha Hospital in Koothattukulam, where he was pronounced dead.
His remains were flown back by the National carrier Kenya Airways, and his flag-draped casket was received with full military honours.
Upon the announcement of his death, President William Ruto stated that flags would fly at half-mast as the country observed a seven-day period of mourning. The President also accorded the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader a state funeral.
In a video released online, M’bilia Bel, often referred to as the “Queen of Congolese Rumba,” paid her condolences to the Odinga family.
Expressing her sorrow, she said, “My condolences to the people of Kenya. We have lost a big part of Africa.”
Similarly, Kanda Bongo Man, famed for popular hits like “Kwasa Kwasa”, also shared a video online expressing his sadness about learning about the death of the former Prime Minister.
