Collins Omondi Okello, the talented sketch artist behind the viral orange-themed Raila Odinga artwork, is appealing for recognition and appreciation after his creation was widely used without credit.
The Kisumu-based artist, who has been celebrated for his striking portraits of the late opposition leader, said many people and businesses have commercialized his work while removing his watermark.
Through a heartfelt Facebook post, Collins expressed disappointment over how his tribute to Raila Odinga—intended as a personal homage—has been misused for profit without acknowledgment of his artistry.
Collins Omondi Seeks Recognition for Viral Raila Odinga Artwork
Renowned Kenyan artist Collins Omondi Okello has appealed to Kenyans and businesses to respect his creative work after his latest Raila Odinga artwork went viral. The artist says many individuals have used the piece for profit, erasing his watermark and failing to credit him.
On Saturday, October 18, Collins took to Facebook to express his frustration over the misuse of his work, saying it reflects the struggles many creatives face in Kenya.
“I have received so many concerns about the widespread use of my artwork for commercial purposes by so many businesses. It is disheartening, but it is the reality for creatives,” he wrote.
He added that his creation was a heartfelt tribute to Raila Odinga, not a product meant for resale or branding.
Tribute to Raila Odinga Turned into Commercial Product
According to Collins, his intention was to honor Raila Odinga—a man he described as a “global icon who shaped Kenya’s political landscape.”
“My main aim of doing this work was as a personal tribute to a global icon who is larger than life,” Collins wrote. “It was not meant for commercial purposes, and even the few T-shirts I made were because of serious public demand.”
The emotional artwork depicts Raila’s face emerging from the heavens, symbolizing his ascension and eternal influence. A smaller image shows the late leader with a raised fist—a gesture long associated with his political defiance and spirit.
Despite the artwork’s deep meaning, the artist lamented how quickly it was exploited for profit. Posters, merchandise, and social media content featuring the image have flooded the market—most without any mention of its creator.
Plea for Credit and Monetary Appreciation
Collins has asked Kenyans to acknowledge his work when sharing it online or using it in any public setting.
“You can support my work by keeping the watermark on when you share the image or acknowledge the artist,” he said. “If you are generous, you can do it through M-Pesa.”
He emphasized that recognition goes a long way in sustaining creative industries and motivating artists to continue producing meaningful work.
Speaking to Business Daily, Collins revealed that he has drawn five portraits of the late Prime Minister over the years. In 2015, Raila personally invited him to Nairobi to present one of his most famous portraits.
“Meeting him was an honour,” he said. “He was charismatic. Just meeting him was payment enough, even without considering the remuneration. The publicity from that portrait gave my art and business portfolio a powerful boost.”
Long Relationship Between Artist and Icon
Collins’s admiration for Raila Odinga began long before his artwork went viral. He described the former Prime Minister as an inspiration for his earlier sketches, saying that Raila’s dedication to democracy moved him deeply.
“The first two portraits I did were out of inspiration,” Collins said. “He was a lovable human being and a political leader who gave us a voice. I felt inspired to do a portrait of him.”
Some of the later pieces were commissioned by Raila’s supporters for private collections, while one was personally handed to the leader himself.
“Raila paid me handsomely,” he admitted. “He covered my flights from Kisumu, accommodation, and even gave me a token for my effort. But honestly, meeting him was enough. I had considered that portrait a gift.”
The artist said that although he received fair compensation for commissioned pieces, the latest experience has left him discouraged by the lack of respect for intellectual property among Kenyans.
He reminded fans and businesses that a simple acknowledgment can help artists grow instead of exploiting their work for commercial gain.
