- Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga says Raila Odinga was healthy and optimistic just hours before his passing in India.
- Oburu spoke to Raila on Tuesday evening, describing him as “vibrant and up and kicking.”
- Deputy President Kithure Kindiki announced a National State Funeral Committee to oversee Raila’s burial.
- The committee will be co-chaired by Kindiki and Oburu, with government, family, and ODM representatives included.
- Raila’s body arrives in Kenya on Thursday ahead of public viewing and burial on Sunday in Bondo, Siaya County.
Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga has said that his late brother, former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga, was in good health and high spirits until just hours before his sudden death in India.
Speaking to journalists at his Karen residence on Wednesday night, Oburu revealed that he had personally spoken with Raila on Tuesday evening, and the ODM leader appeared energetic and optimistic about returning home.
“I informed you before that he was well and kicking about and that he would be back in the country. That was not a lie; it was the truth,” Oburu said. “He was very well until last night, I spoke to him. He was vibrant, up and kicking. Unfortunately, this morning he suffered shock, which is suspected after the postmortem to be a heart attack.”
Oburu expressed deep sorrow over the passing of his younger brother but urged Kenyans to celebrate Raila’s life respectfully.
“We are not just mourning, but we are also celebrating his life. I am only praying that our people behave in a dignified manner and let us give my brother a dignified burial and a good send-off that he deserves,” he said.
Following Raila’s death, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki announced the creation of a National Committee for the State Funeral of Raila Odinga, which he will co-chair alongside Oburu Oginga.
The committee includes several senior government officials, family representatives, ODM leaders, and members of Parliament.
Among those appointed are: Wycliffe Oparanya (Cooperatives and SMEs), David Chirchir (Roads and Transport), Soipan Tuya (Defence), Aden Duale (Health), Attorney General Dorcas Oduor
Family members in the committee include Dr Wenwa Akinyi Oginga, William Ojonyo, Elijah Oburu, and Dr Joe Oger.
ODM will be represented by governors Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o, Gladys Wanga, James Orengo, Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir, and Simba Arati.
From Parliament, Senate Minority Leader Stewart Madzayo and Senator Godfrey Osotsi will represent the Senate, while the National Assembly delegation includes Junet Mohamed, Millie Odhiambo, Dr James Nyikal, Dr Otiende Amollo, and Dr Lilian Gogo.
Interior Principal Secretary Dr Raymond Omollo will serve as the committee’s secretary.
The family confirmed that Raila’s body will arrive from India on Thursday morning for public viewing at Parliament Buildings, followed by his burial on Sunday at his ancestral home in Bondo, Siaya County.
Just last week, Oburu had dismissed growing rumours about Raila’s health, assuring Kenyans that the ODM leader was in stable condition and receiving treatment in India.
The ODM Party had also condemned reports suggesting Raila was gravely ill, describing them as politically motivated propaganda.
The party reminded Kenyans that Raila had always been open about his health in the past, citing his public updates in 2010 and 2021.
Raila Odinga’s sudden death marks the end of a historic political era, with Kenya preparing to lay to rest a man whose courage, resilience, and leadership defined the country’s democratic journey for more than five decades.
