President William Ruto left mourners at Nyayo Stadium emotional after he broke into song, performing “Jamaica Farewell” in memory of the late Raila Odinga.
The crowd fell silent as the President’s voice carried through the air, a soulful tribute that captured both grief and gratitude for the man many called Baba.
Here are the lyrics to the song originally performed by Harry Belafonte, which President Ruto sang.
“Down the way
Where the nights are gay
And the sun shines daily on the mountaintop
I took a trip on a sailing ship
And when I reached Jamaica I made a stop
But I’m sad to say I’m on my way
Won’t be back for many a day
My heart is down
My head is turning around
I had to leave a little girl in Kingston town
Down at the market you can hear
Ladies cry out while on their heads they bear
Ackee, rice, saltfish are nice
And the rum is fine any time of year
But I’m sad to say I’m on my way
Won’t be back for many a day
My heart is down
My head is turning around
I had to leave a little girl in Kingston town
Sounds of laughter everywhere
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And the dancing girls swing to and fro
I must declare my heart is there
Though I’ve been from Maine to Mexico
But I’m sad to say I’m on my way
Won’t be back for many a day
My heart is down
My head is turning around
I had to leave a little girl in Kingston town
Down the way
Where the nights are gay
And the sun shines daily on the mountaintop
I took a trip on a sailing ship
And when I reached Jamaica I made a stop
But I’m sad to say I’m on my way
Won’t be back for many a day
My heart is down
My head is turning around
I had to leave a little girl in Kingston town
Sad to say I’m on my way
Won’t be back for many a day
My heart is down
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My head is turning around
I had to leave a little girl in Kingston town.”
