Former Citizen TV presenter Jacque Maribe paid a heartfelt tribute to the late Fidel Odinga, son of the late veteran politician Raila Odinga, through her Instagram Stories. Maribe invoked the traditional Luo mourning chant, “Jowi Jowi Jowi,” commonly used during moments of grief within the Luo community. She wrote, “I can finally say Jowii Jowii Jowii without you all judging me. It is for my friend’s dad, the late Fidel.”
Maribe added a disclaimer asking her followers not to judge her for using the chant, particularly in light of her past association with her ex-boyfriend, Joseph Irungu, also known as Jowie. Irungu was sentenced to death in March 2024 for the murder of businesswoman Monica Kimani, a high-profile case that also involved Maribe, who was acquitted of the charges. She clarified that her tribute was a personal expression of grief and not linked to her past controversies.
“Please don’t judge me,” Maribe emphasized, highlighting her intent to honour the memory of Fidel Odinga and show respect to the Odinga family during their mourning period. Her post reflected a personal connection to the family and her desire to express grief authentically.
In a follow-up Instagram post, Maribe engaged her Luo followers by reflecting on the political void left by Raila Odinga’s passing. She questioned who would rise as the new leader of the Luo community, a role historically associated with Baba’s influence. Maribe also revealed her personal connection to the community, noting that she has a child with a Luo man. “It is finished. Now question, I’m asking all my Luo friends, and they are my family, nimewazalia. Who takes over as kingpin?” she asked.
Maribe’s posts highlighted her personal grief, her cultural ties to the Luo community, and her respect for the Odinga family, separating her tribute from past controversies while engaging her followers in a reflection on leadership within the community.
