Raila Junior's Mourning Expose the Depth of Online Ableism
Health Updated: 23 October 2025 12:48 EAT
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Funerals, while an inevitable rite of passage that no one can escape, often expose grieving families to intense public scrutiny and unique vulnerabilities.
The process of mourning, especially under the weight of high public expectation, can shift the focus uncomfortably from the deceased to the surviving family members.
The recent rush to meet the 72-hour burial wish by the late former Prime Minister's family placed his son, Raila Odinga Junior, under the public spotlight, regrettably highlighting his disability, which he has managed with notable composure and resilience.
However, a section of social media users used this chance to launch a disturbing online trend, dubbed the "Raila Junior Challenge," which targeted Odinga Junior with ridicule and trolling across various platforms.
From the perspective of disability advocacy, this behaviour is far more serious; it exposes a profound lack of understanding about disability and serves as a clear example of ableism online.
Ableism is the devaluation and oppression of PWDs. It often occurs not through deliberate malice or meanness, but through omission, inattention, or, as demonstrated by the "Challenge.”
On social media, Raila Odinga Junior had earlier on clarified the nature of his disability, explaining that he has Acoustic Schwannoma (also known as a vestibular schwannoma or acoustic neuroma).
He stated that the condition has caused partial paralysis on the right side of his face, directly refuting the common assumption that he was suffering from Bell's Palsy.
According to medical experts, this condition is caused by a benign tumor that grows on the vestibulocochlear nerve, the nerve connecting the inner ear to the brain. The tumor's presence affects hearing, balance, and sometimes facial nerves.
Symptoms typically include hearing loss in one ear, tinnitus (ringing), and dizziness. In cases where the tumors are larger, they can also cause facial numbness, headaches, and swallowing difficulties.
Despite this struggle, Raila Junior has continued to lead, inspire, and give back to the community.
He holds a BA (Honors) in Accounting and Finance from the University of Wales and an MSc in Finance from the University of Leeds.
Professionally, he is a successful entrepreneur, CEO, and Executive Producer at Creative Hub, where he actively shapes Kenya’s creative industry.
Beyond business, he has taken on the compassionate role of a mentor to children born with disabilities, a role that speaks volumes about his purpose and empathy.
In a world quick to judge what it sees, we must learn to look deeper, to see the immense strength it takes to simply show up, the courage required to heal privately, and the dignity maintained while remaining kind.
Tags: Acoustic Schwannoma Raila Amollo Odinga Raila Odinga Junior Editor's Pick
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Selestine Nyongesa
Experienced and versatile writer, dedicated to using my exceptional writing and editing skills to inform and advocate. My work focuses on educating and entertaining readers on a range of topics, with a particular expertise in matters of disability.