During the burial of the late second President of Kenya Daniel arap Moi, ODM leader Raila Odinga left mourners in stitches when he broke into a Luo song and chanted, "Jowi! Jowi! Jowi! Jowi! Jowi!”
Kenyans online did not understand what the chant meant as most came up with hilarious comments, some alluding that he was referring to Joseph Irungu alias Jowie, a prime suspect in the murder case of businesswoman Monica Kimani.
"Jowi is in Kamiti Maximum Prison, I'm sure he's proud to be mentioned by baba. He might be free by next week," Frank Liam commented.
"Tonight Jowie will sleep like a baby ready for his freedom tomorrow," Layannah stated.
"Wow finally my Jowie was recognized as a hero," Jeddy Njoro weighed in.
As fate would have it, Irungu was released by Justice James Wakiaga the following day -on Thursday, February 13- on a Ksh2 million cash bail or Ksh3 million bond.
The judge noted that the prosecution had failed to provide sufficient reason on why Jowie should remain in remand.
While addressing students at Maranda High School during the 100th-anniversary celebrations on Friday, February 14, the ODM leader laughed off the co-incidence.
"The other day I shouted in Kabarak Jowi Jowi Jowi and then the other Jowie was released yesterday," Raila stated as he laughed heartily.
"So, we are watching but I just want to say that we want to wish everybody all the best," he concluded.
Raila's mention of Jowi during his chant is used among the Luo community to mourn the passing on of a respected person in society.
During the anniversary, the ODM leader was also accompanied by Chief Justice David Maraga, Education CS George Magoha, Senate Speaker Ken Lusaka and alumni of the school.
The dignitaries are said to have planted a memorial tree and unveiled the portrait of Rev. Shadrack Osewe who was the founder of the school.
