Khaligraph Jones has unveiled a series of powerful murals of the late Raila Odinga, transforming parts of his mansion into a private gallery in honour of the departed opposition leader.
In a series of Instagram posts, Khaligraph showcased the massive wall art installations depicting Raila Odinga in signature poses — mid-speech, hand raised in defiance, and in moments of reflection. Each mural, carefully detailed and dramatically lit, captures a facet of the statesman’s long and storied career.
The 33-year-old rapper, known for his bold lyrics and national pride, said he felt compelled to create a lasting tribute after being deeply affected by Raila’s death. In an emotional video posted earlier this week, he admitted that the loss had left him shaken.
“There are some of us who since this thing happened, we have not had any strength,” he confessed.
The gesture struck a chord with fans, many of whom expressed similar grief and admiration. For Khaligraph — born Brian Ouko Omollo — Raila’s legacy transcends politics. To him, “Baba” was a symbol of courage, resilience, and vision, qualities that resonated deeply with a generation that grew up under his influence.
Khaligraph Jones has never shied away from reflecting national moods in his art. Whether calling out corruption in Mazishi, celebrating Kenyan hustle in Yego, or highlighting unity in Kwenda, he has always used his music to mirror society.
Raila’s influence, after all, was never confined to Parliament or campaign rallies. For decades, his image, slogans, and songs have permeated the nation’s collective identity. He was as much a pop-cultural figure as he was a political one. And Khaligraph’s murals bring that full circle — a hip-hop king honouring a political icon in a language both generations understand: art.
The images of Khaligraph’s Raila murals quickly went viral, drawing tens of thousands of likes and hundreds of emotional comments. Some fans praised the rapper for “turning mourning into meaning,” while others admitted the visuals had moved them to tears.
Others noted how the murals mirror the mood of a nation still grappling with loss. In Nairobi and Kisumu, artists have also begun painting public murals of Raila in neighbourhoods like Kibra, Mathare, and Kondele — echoing the rapper’s private tribute on a national scale.
Murals, historically, have been instruments of resistance and remembrance. In Kenya, they’ve been used to honour figures like Dedan Kimathi, Wangari Maathai, and Tom Mboya.
Indeed, by opening up about his vulnerability, the rapper has humanised both himself and his hero. It’s a side of Khaligraph rarely seen — not the fierce MC spitting bars on stage, but a man confronting loss with art.