- Orengo says Raila’s death was sudden and shocking
- Raila showed no signs of serious illness before collapsing
- He died in India on October 15, 2025, after a cardiac arrest
- Kenya observed seven
- Orengo urges Kenyans to protect Raila’s democratic legacy of national mourning
- Raila was buried in Bondo after a state funeral
Siaya Governor James Orengo has revealed that the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga came as a complete shock to his family, close allies, and the country at large.
Speaking during an interview on NTV, Orengo said Odinga had not shown any serious signs of illness before his sudden collapse, making the loss even harder to process.
According to Orengo, Raila remained energetic and engaged in public matters until his final days, something that left many struggling to believe the news when it broke.
“It came as a great shock because he had not shown any signs of being seriously unwell,” Orengo said.
He noted that ODM members and Kenyans across the political divide were stunned by the sudden nature of his passing.
Raila Odinga died on October 15, 2025, while in India, where he had travelled for medical care. Reports indicated that he suffered a cardiac arrest during a morning walk, bringing an abrupt end to a long and influential political life.
His death triggered an outpouring of grief both at home and abroad.
After his body was flown back to Kenya, thousands of mourners gathered at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, followed by emotional public ceremonies in Nairobi.
The government declared seven days of national mourning, with flags flying at half-mast. Raila was later accorded a state funeral before being laid to rest at his rural home in Bondo, Siaya County.
During the interview, Orengo reflected on Raila’s decades-long journey in politics, describing him as a fearless fighter for democracy, constitutional freedoms, and social justice.
He warned that the democratic gains Raila struggled for should never be taken lightly, urging leaders and citizens alike to protect those freedoms.
Orengo emphasised that while Raila Odinga is no longer physically present, his ideas and principles must continue shaping Kenya’s future.
According to him, the true tribute to Raila lies in defending democracy, fairness, and the rule of law.
