标签： Africa

The Kenyan city of Kisumu witnessed an overwhelming outpouring of grief as tens of thousands gathered at the Jomo Kenyatta Stadium to honor the late Prime Minister Raila Odinga. The 80-year-old political icon, who passed away in a hospital in India, was laid to rest following a state funeral in Nairobi on Friday. His body now lies in state in Kisumu, his political stronghold, ahead of a private burial scheduled for Sunday at his farm in Bondo, approximately 60 kilometers west of Kisumu.

Mourners began arriving at the stadium before dawn on Saturday, many adorned in orange, the signature color of Odinga’s Orange Democratic Movement. They waved branches, a traditional symbol of mourning among the Luo ethnic group, to which Odinga belonged. The atmosphere was charged with emotion, with cries of ‘we are orphans’ echoing through the crowd. Dixon Ochieng, one of the mourners, described Odinga as ‘an icon of Africa,’ a sentiment shared by many who viewed him as a pivotal figure in Kenya’s journey toward multi-party democracy.

Odinga’s political career was marked by resilience and controversy. He served as the country’s main opposition leader for decades, contesting five presidential elections, the most recent being three years ago. Despite repeated claims of electoral fraud, Odinga remained a steadfast advocate for democratic principles. Following the contentious 2007 election, which was marred by violence, he assumed the role of prime minister in a unity government. His legacy is deeply rooted in his unwavering commitment to freedom and self-governance, earning him a devoted following, particularly in western Kenya.

Among the dignitaries paying tribute to Odinga was former U.S. President Barack Obama, who lauded him as ‘a true champion of democracy.’ In a heartfelt message on X, Obama highlighted Odinga’s willingness to prioritize national interests over personal ambitions and his dedication to peaceful reconciliation. ‘Time and again, I personally saw him put the interests of his country ahead of his own ambitions,’ Obama wrote.

As Kenya bids farewell to one of its most influential leaders, the nation reflects on the indelible mark Odinga left on its political landscape. His legacy of resilience, democracy, and unity continues to inspire countless Kenyans, ensuring that his impact will be felt for generations to come.

In a bid to prevent further tragedies, Kenya has mobilized extensive security measures in Kisumu, a western city, for the final public viewing of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s body. This comes in the wake of five fatalities during the previous two funeral events. On Saturday, military personnel, police forces, and air surveillance units were stationed at a local soccer stadium, where thousands of mourners had gathered overnight to pay their respects. Odinga, a revered political figure in Kenya and beyond, passed away on Wednesday in India at the age of 80. He is set to be buried on Sunday in his rural hometown of Bondo. Odinga’s supporters, known for their fervor and determination, have been turning out in large numbers since his body was repatriated to Kenya on Thursday. The funeral events have been marred by violence, with police firing live bullets and tear gas on Thursday, resulting in three deaths. A stampede on Friday claimed two more lives and left 163 injured. Odinga’s widow, Ida, and his brother, Oburu, have both urged mourners to maintain peace and avoid provoking law enforcement. Odinga, who ran for Kenya’s presidency five times over three decades, is celebrated for his lifelong activism that significantly contributed to Kenya’s transition to a multiparty democracy. His body lay in state at parliament on Friday, an honor typically reserved for presidents and former presidents. Kenya’s President William Ruto, who once campaigned for Odinga in 2007 but later became his political rival, praised him as a patriot and selfless statesman. Earlier this year, the two leaders signed an agreement following months of anti-government protests, leading to the appointment of opposition party members to Cabinet positions.

In South Africa, Operation Dudula, once a grassroots anti-migrant movement, has evolved into a political party, sparking nationwide debate over access to public services for foreigners. The group, whose name means ‘to remove by force’ in Zulu, has intensified its campaign by blocking non-South Africans from entering public health facilities in provinces like Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal. Despite arrests, authorities have struggled to curb their activities, leaving migrants and even some locals without essential healthcare.

In a significant spiritual gathering, Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ajman, led the Salat Al Istisqa (rain-seeking prayer) at the Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi Mosque in Ajman. This prayer, deeply rooted in Islamic tradition, was conducted in alignment with the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad and in response to a nationwide call by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The event saw the participation of Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman, Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Chairman of the Municipality and Planning Department, alongside numerous sheikhs, senior officials, and a congregation of citizens and residents. Following the prayer, attendees raised their hands in supplication, beseeching Allah for rain as a divine mercy to benefit the people, land, and all creatures. They also prayed for the protection and guidance of the UAE’s leadership and for eternal peace for the nation’s founding leaders.

In a world where luxury once meant owning the rarest handbags, fastest cars, or largest yachts, the ultra-wealthy have shifted their focus to a new, intangible asset: time. The global wellness industry, now valued at $5 trillion, is experiencing a seismic transformation, driven by the pursuit of longevity among billionaires. High-end wellness retreats, offering cutting-edge medical treatments and bespoke health programs, have become the new playgrounds for the ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs).

Clinique La Prairie in Switzerland, Lanserhof in Austria, and Buchinger Wilhelmi in Germany are among the elite sanctuaries where guests pay upwards of $50,000 for week-long programs. These retreats combine advanced medical science with five-star hospitality, offering DNA sequencing, stem-cell rejuvenation, and circadian rhythm optimization. The luxury here is not just in the amenities but in the promise of extended vitality and health.

The pandemic and breakthroughs in medical science have fueled this shift. For the ultra-wealthy, the ultimate status symbol is no longer material possessions but the ability to look, feel, and perform younger than their peers. Wellness has evolved from weekend spa trips to a sophisticated industry offering cryotherapy, ozone therapy, and epigenetic reprogramming.

The Gulf region is emerging as a hub for longevity luxury. Dubai’s thriving spa culture is being complemented by science-driven sanctuaries, while Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 includes ambitious wellness tourism projects. SHA Wellness Clinic, a Mediterranean flagship, is expanding to the UAE with a project marketed as the ‘world’s first healthy living island.’

Critics argue that many longevity treatments remain unproven or controversial. However, for billionaires, the cost of failure is negligible. A six-figure gamble on a treatment that might extend vitality by even a year is more compelling than another luxury car or watch.

As the industry grows, longevity is expected to merge with mainstream luxury brands. Imagine Dior Longevity Retreats or Louis Vuitton Biohacking Spas. Technology will also play a key role, with AI-powered health diagnostics and VR wellness sanctuaries on the horizon.

In the 21st century, luxury is no longer measured in carats or horsepower but in decades of life lived well. The ultra-wealthy are no longer asking, ‘What can I buy?’ but ‘How long can I thrive?’