KISUMU, Kenya – A 22-year-old woman from Kisumu has completed a 72-hour pillar-hugging challenge in honour of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, enduring exhaustion and harsh weather to pay tribute to the late opposition leader.
Lavender Wesonga completed the challenge at 3.20 pm yesterday at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Sports Complex in Kisumu, after holding onto the pillar for three consecutive days.
Wesonga said the 72-hour challenge symbolised the period between Raila’s death and his burial.
Speaking shortly after completing the challenge, she said the tribute was her way of expressing grief and celebrating the legacy of the man she affectionately called Baba.
“I am happy to finish this challenge in honour of Raila Odinga. I will continue upholding his legacy. Baba loved everyone, regardless of where they came from, and I will miss him,” she said.
She was later taken to Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital for medical attention.
Wesonga Pushes Through Exhaustion
Wesonga began the challenge on Friday, October 9, determined to remain attached to the pillar for the full 72 hours.
By Monday afternoon, she appeared visibly exhausted, with swollen, pale feet after three days of enduring the physical demands of the exercise.
She had painted the pillar white to represent peace, a value she associated with Raila. She said she hoped the tribute would encourage Kenyans to embrace harmony, democracy and justice.
Her father, who witnessed her complete the challenge, expressed relief and pride, saying he had initially doubted whether she would manage to endure the full 72 hours.
Wesonga, who is unemployed, appealed to the government and well-wishers to help her secure a job. She described Raila as a leader who championed youth empowerment.
Raila’s Sister Urges Youth To Pursue Change
Raila’s younger sister, Emily Oginga, urged young people to take up the fight for change and good governance, saying Wesonga’s determination reflected values her brother stood for.
“Raila once said that young people can be a blessing or a ticking time bomb,” Emily said, challenging the youth to carry forward his vision.
She expressed hope that another leader with Raila’s qualities would emerge from the younger generation.
Emily added that her brother’s death had revealed the depth of affection Kenyans had for him, noting that visits to Kang’o ka Jaramogi in Bondo had been particularly moving.
She also pledged to help Wesonga attend commemorative activities, including a candle-lighting ceremony scheduled for October 14.
ODM Rolls Out ‘Mwezi Wa Baba’ Activities
Raila died on October 15, 2025, aged 80, while receiving medical treatment in India. His death was followed by a state funeral and nationwide mourning before he was buried at his family home in Bondo, Siaya County.
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has designated October as “Mwezi wa Baba” and organised commemorative activities across the country to honour his legacy.
The programme began with a candle-lighting exercise in Nairobi on October 2, followed by a major memorial rally in Kakamega on October 9. The rally brought together supporters from Kakamega, Vihiga, Busia, Bungoma and Trans Nzoia counties.
Family-led activities also began on October 10 and are scheduled to run until October 15, culminating in the Bondo memorial.
After the Bondo event, ODM plans to resume the programme with activities in Garissa on October 17, followed by events in the Coast region on October 18 and 19.
