Kenyans Joke on X: Raila Odinga for Pope After Pope Francis’ Illness
As news of Pope Francis’ illness spread, Kenyans took to social media with a humorous suggestion that opposition leader Raila Odinga, 80, should vie for the next pope. The hashtag #RailaForPope quickly gained traction, amassing over 1 million views. This lighthearted suggestion sparked a flood of memes, with Kenyans humorously envisioning Raila, a Protestant Anglican, as the future head of the Catholic Church.
Though Raila Odinga has no ties to the Catholic Church, his political legacy in Kenya has made him a household name, even outside the political arena. Raila’s five failed presidential bids from 1997 to 2022, along with his defeat in February 2025 in the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship election, set the stage for this playful internet campaign. It’s a reflection of Kenyans’ creativity in the face of serious situations. The call for Raila to step into the papacy provided the perfect comic relief, especially as the country’s 10 million Catholics watched the story unfold.
Despite the humor, this joke has deeper implications. Kenya is a country with a sizable Catholic population, and Pope Francis’ hospitalization has left many wondering about the future leadership of the Catholic Church. In the event of Pope Francis’ inability to fulfill his duties, a conclave will be held to elect a new pope. However, it is important to note that this process requires a careful selection of cardinals under the age of 80, who would be responsible for choosing the next pope. Raila’s name, though largely a joke, has symbolically entered this discussion, adding an interesting twist to Kenya’s political and religious discourse.
The Hashtag #RailaForPope gained popularity
The hashtag #RailaForPope has taken over X, with Kenyans flooding the platform with memes and jokes. This viral moment comes as Kenyans take a playful approach to a serious situation. The idea of Raila Odinga becoming the Pope may seem outlandish, but it represents the creativity and humor that Kenyans bring to the digital space. The jokes highlight how Kenyans use social media not just for political discourse, but also to find humor in unexpected places.
Many of the memes circulating on X portray Raila Odinga in papal attire, humorously juxtaposing his political persona with the religious leader’s role. Some social media users even speculated on how Raila would perform in a religious capacity, drawing comparisons to his leadership style in Kenya. The memes, while funny, also shed light on the strong relationship Kenyans have with their leaders, even in jest.
The hashtag quickly became a symbol of how Kenyans deal with serious situations, from political defeats to the hospitalization of a global leader, by turning to humor as a coping mechanism. #RailaForPope was not just a hashtag; it became a space for Kenyans to express their wit, creativity, and sense of unity, while still keeping an eye on the political and religious undertones of the conversation.
Raila Odinga’s Legacy and the Catholic Community in Kenya
While the #RailaForPope trend may have been sparked by humor, it’s interesting to explore the deeper connection between Kenyans and their Catholic faith. With 10 million Catholics in Kenya, the Catholic Church plays a significant role in the lives of many Kenyans. This sizable population of Catholics would naturally be concerned about the future leadership of the church, especially given Pope Francis’ age and recent health issues.
Raila Odinga, on the other hand, represents a symbol of resilience in Kenyan politics. His five unsuccessful attempts at the presidency have not dampened his popularity, and his influence remains strong within the country. As the leader of the opposition, Raila has long been seen as a figure who fights for change, even if that fight doesn’t always result in victory. His political legacy, combined with the Kenyan Catholic population’s devotion, has made this joke about his potential papacy both humorous and thought-provoking.
The fact that Raila Odinga, a Protestant Anglican, is being considered for a role within the Catholic Church highlights Kenya’s unique religious diversity. Despite his lack of Catholic ties, Kenyans are still willing to entertain the idea of him becoming the pope, if only for the sake of humor. This also reflects Kenya’s broader conversation about leadership, both in politics and religion, and how the country often finds humor in the most serious of situations.
Pope Francis’ Health and the Future of the Papacy
Pope Francis’ hospitalization with pneumonia has once again brought the question of succession to the forefront. The Catholic Church is a global institution, and the process of electing a new pope is a complex and highly structured event. The process involves the participation of cardinals under the age of 80, who will convene in a conclave to elect the next pontiff. While there are many potential candidates, the discussions surrounding the future of the papacy are always filled with intrigue and speculation.
The idea of Raila Odinga becoming the Pope, while absurd in practical terms, highlights the global interest in the papacy. As the Catholic Church navigates the question of succession, it’s clear that many people, even those far removed from the church’s inner workings, are interested in the conversation. Kenyans’ playful approach to the situation on X shows the unique way in which people from different cultures and backgrounds engage with global events.
The issue of the papacy is not just a religious concern; it is also deeply political. The election of a pope has the potential to affect the direction of the Catholic Church’s teachings and its global influence. While the prospect of Raila Odinga taking up such a role is a joke, it does serve to highlight how important the selection of a new pope will be in the coming years. This lighthearted moment of internet humor serves as a reminder of the serious discussions that will follow Pope Francis’ eventual retirement or passing.
Kenya’s Humor and Political Culture
Kenyans are known for their sharp wit and humor, and the #RailaForPope hashtag is just another example of how the country uses humor as a form of expression. Politics in Kenya is often unpredictable, with leaders frequently shifting allegiances and alliances. In this environment, humor has become a valuable tool for Kenyans to cope with the ups and downs of political life. The idea of Raila Odinga, a political figure who has faced numerous setbacks, becoming the Pope is both a reflection of this humor and a commentary on the Kenyan political landscape.
Humor in Kenya isn’t just about entertainment; it’s a way for people to engage with the political system. The internet has provided a platform for Kenyans to express their thoughts on politics, religion, and global events, often through memes, jokes, and hashtags. In this case, the #RailaForPope trend represents more than just a joke—it’s a way for Kenyans to find joy in the face of uncertainty and to mock the idea of serious leadership roles in a playful way.
As the internet continues to shape global conversations, Kenyans have proven that they will use humor to comment on everything from political failures to global health crises. The #RailaForPope moment is a perfect example of how social media allows Kenyans to take ownership of global narratives and inject their unique perspective into the conversation.
