RAO Foundation takes over Raila’s social media to preserve his legacy
By Kenneth Mwenda, October 30, 2025Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s social media accounts will now be managed by the RAO Foundation, a newly-created organisation tasked with preserving his legacy. The handover marks a major step in the effort to honour the late ODM party leader’s long political career and public life.
On Thursday, 30 October, Raila’s X profile was updated to reflect the change. The bio now states that the page is run by the RAO Foundation.
“This page is managed by The RAO Foundation in honor of the legacy of the Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga, CGH. Father, Prime Minister, Enigma, Hero, Baba. 1945-2025.”
With nearly five million followers on X and more than 2.3 million on Facebook, Raila’s social media pages remain some of the most followed in the region.
The Foundation plans to use the platforms to share key moments from his political journey, highlight his push for democracy and peace, and continue advocating for human rights-values Raila championed for decades.
Also watch: ODM to launch Raila Odinga Academy of Leadership to nurture future leaders.
Leadership shift takes shape
Raila’s last activity on X was a retweet from his son, Raila Odinga Junior, who shared a clip of his installation as the new head of the Odinga family. His final Facebook post, made on 3 October, showed his meeting with Gor Mahia Football Club officials.
The takeover comes as part of a transition within the ODM party following Raila’s death on 15 October after a cardiac arrest. ODM has since confirmed his elder brother, Senator Oburu Oginga, as the party leader.
The endorsement came after a Central Committee meeting held on 27 October, where party officials urged members to support Oburu through what they called a difficult period for the movement.
ODM has already begun organising national and regional memorial activities to honour Raila. Prayer services and remembrance events will be held across several counties, allowing supporters to pay their respects and reflect on his legacy.
The party will also proceed with its ODM@20 celebrations in November, using the anniversary to strengthen its structures and reaffirm its founding principles.