The room that remembers Baba: Inside Raila’s quiet Kisii retreat
Tucked beneath a thick canopy of foliage on the outskirts of Kisii town is a room that, at first glance, looks like any other hotel unit. But behind its quiet door lies a small, intimate chapter of Kenya’s political history. At Ufanisi Resort, a serene establishment surrounded by lush greenery, is the secluded room that [...] The post The room that remembers Baba: Inside Raila’s quiet Kisii…
Tucked away beneath a dense foliage on the outskirts of Kisii town, a room holds a small, intimate piece of Kenya's political history. Known as "Baba's Room," this secluded retreat at Ufanisi Resort serves as one of the late Raila Amolo Odinga's preferred escapes during his political travels to the Gusii region. Here, the political heavyweight could unwind away from the clamour of supporters, cameras, and endless discussions.
Ufanisi Resort proprietor Patrick Lumumba often recalls the quiet evenings spent with Raila, who would occasionally watch football in silence or indulge in traditional vegetables like managu and chinsaga. Lumumba also remembers the politician's fondness for Rémy Martin during evening conversations. Despite sometimes going to bed late, Raila was an early riser, joining breakfast by 8am.
The room has transformed from a hotel unit to a place of memory for Lumumba, who now finds it painful to know that Raila will never walk through those doors again. For the resort, the room may soon bear the name "Baba's Room" in honor of the man it holds dear. Following Raila's death, October is designated as "Mwezi wa Baba," a month of remembrance, with candle-lighting ceremonies and other activities taking place across Kenya.
Written by urgent.news from KahawaTungu's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
