Tears and shock as Oburu reveals Raila’s final moments

Oburu Odinga speaking in Bondo./SCREENGRAB

Grief engulfed the Odinga family on Thursday as Raila Odinga’s elder brother, Dr. Oburu Odinga, recounted the heartbreaking final moments of the former Prime Minister before his death in India.

Speaking to family members and close associates shortly after receiving the news, Oburu revealed that Raila collapsed while walking alongside his daughter, Winnie Odinga.

“When it happened, they were walking together with Winnie. She saw everything,” Oburu said, his voice heavy with emotion.

“They rushed him to the ICU, but God had His own plans. Raila is gone.”

The veteran politician said Raila had been in stable condition before the incident.

“We are saddened. Let us not make noise,” Oburu urged.

“We had said that he was sick and that is the truth. He was okay, but when he left in the morning for his walk and exercise, something happened and hit him. Shetani ashindwe!”

He confirmed that Raila’s daughter, Winnie, and sister, Ruth Odinga, were by his side during the emergency.

“Ruth and Winnie were with him when it happened. We thank God for the time He gave us with him,” he said.

Oburu appealed to Kenyans to honour Raila’s legacy with peace, unity, and dignity during the mourning period.

“My plea is that we escort Raila and give him a befitting burial,” he said. “

We must show outsiders that we know how to honour our son. I don’t want chaos — in most cases, we also have robbers among us."

He further proposed the formation of a small committee to oversee funeral arrangements, including identifying Raila’s final resting place at the family home.

“Let us form a committee to go to Jaramogi’s place and prepare where he will be laid to rest,” Oburu said. “We shall sit, discuss, and plan depending on the programme. For now, we can announce the death of Raila.”

As the family prepares to bring Raila’s body home, the nation mourns the passing of a political giant whose influence and legacy transcended generations.

Raila’s body arrived on Thursday morning from India, where died following a cardiac arrest.

He was receiving treatment at the time of his death.

Earlier, Security officers resorted to kicking mourners out of Kasarani, beating some who had gathered at Kasarani Stadium in an attempt to disperse the swelling crowd.

The confrontation escalated just minutes after police lobbed teargas into the crowd, triggering panic and confusion.

Despite the heavy police presence and use of force, mourners continued to throng the stadium grounds, determined to pay their final respects to former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

The body of the late arrived at the venue shortly after the fracas began, intensifying emotions among the gathered supporters.

Scenes of chaos unfolded as crowds scattered across the stadium, some choking from the teargas, others running for safety.