Raila Odinga’s elder brother, Oburu Odinga, gave an emotional account of their last conversation, responding to growing speculation from some Kenyans who believe the family may have hidden information about the ODM leader’s health while he was receiving treatment in India.
Speaking during a State Funeral Committee briefing on Wednesday night, Oburu — clearly overwhelmed with grief — firmly denied claims that the family had withheld details about Raila’s condition. He insisted that the former Prime Minister was in good health just hours before his sudden death.
Oburu explained that his earlier public assurances about Raila’s recovery were not meant to mislead anyone, but were based on genuine medical reports and personal communication.
“As I had told you before, I informed you that he was well and kicking, and that he would soon be back in the country. That was not a lie; it was the truth,” he said, his voice shaking as he remembered their final exchange.
According to Oburu, they spoke the night before Raila passed away, and nothing in their conversation indicated any danger.
“He was very well until last night; I spoke to him. He was vibrant, up and kicking,” he recounted, noting that Raila sounded strong and cheerful.
The sudden demise came as a shock to the family. Doctors suspect that Raila may have suffered a heart attack, though official confirmation is expected after post-mortem results.
“It is only unfortunate that this morning he suffered shock, which is suspected to be a heart attack,” Oburu said.
News of Raila’s death first surfaced through Indian media outlets, prompting questions from the public about what exactly had happened.
Reports indicate that Odinga collapsed at the Sreedhareeyam Ayurvedic Eye Hospital and Research Center and was rushed to a private facility in Koothattukulam but could not be saved.
Before the incident, Oburu had confirmed that Raila travelled to India on October 10 for treatment, clarifying that he was dealing with a mild illness — nothing too serious — and was in the process of recovering.
“There have been many rumours that he was very sick or on the verge of death. But I want to clarify that he was only slightly indisposed. He was recuperating and resting,” Oburu had previously told journalists in Ugunja, Siaya County.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki had also addressed the speculation earlier, criticising those spreading falsehoods or ill wishes.
“Mzee Raila Odinga is safe and healthy. It is against African tradition to wish bad upon someone, even your worst enemy,” Kindiki said in Siaya on October 13.
According to Oburu, Raila will be laid to rest on Sunday, October 19, in line with his personal wish to be buried within 72 hours of his passing.
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