Political activist and staunch Raila Odinga loyalist Nuru Okanga has opened up about the emotional toll of losing the former prime minister, revealing that he continues to see Raila in his dreams. Speaking candidly about his grief, Okanga described how he is yet to come to terms with the death of the man he regarded as a mentor and father figure.
“He Appears in My Dreams” — Okanga Shares Emotional Struggles
Okanga, known for his fiery support of the ODM party and frequent arrests during anti-government protests, confessed that Raila has appeared in his dreams twice since his passing. “He has appeared in my dreams twice, and when I tell people, they say I want to trend. I’m yet to come to terms with his death. Dreaming about him makes it worse,” Okanga said, his voice heavy with emotion.
He described the late Raila as a leader who recognized and appreciated his commitment, often acknowledging him publicly during rallies and party meetings. This personal bond, Okanga said, made Raila’s death especially painful.
Almost Missed the Funeral, But CS Kuria Stepped In
The activist also revealed that he almost missed attending Raila Odinga’s funeral but was assisted by Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria, who helped facilitate his travel to Kisumu. Accompanied by fellow activists Omosh One Hour and Gaucho, Okanga managed to pay his last respects to the ODM leader.
Despite their unwavering loyalty, Okanga expressed disappointment that he and his colleagues were not given a chance to speak during the state funeral. “I thought they would give me a chance to tell Baba goodbye because he used to recognise me during his meetings. We fought hard for him and were arrested many times for our support,” he lamented.
Okanga on His Political Future and ODM Loyalty
Addressing speculation about his political allegiance, Okanga clarified that he remains loyal to ODM — for now. However, he hinted that his stance could change depending on the party’s future political direction. “I cannot leave ODM for now, but if they join the government, I’ll have to reconsider,” he remarked.
Revealing His Final Conversation with Raila
In one of the most emotional moments of his interview, Okanga recounted his last phone call with Raila Odinga while the former opposition leader was in India for treatment. “I called him on Monday the week he died. He hung up but called me back. We talked, and he said he was okay, had even been going to the gym, and asked me to pick him up at the airport when he returned to Kenya,” Okanga recalled.
Financial Support from Raila and ODM Leaders
Okanga also revealed that Raila and several ODM politicians had supported him financially during his dowry payment ceremony in May 2024. “Baba sent me KSh 110,000, Babu Owino gave KSh 20,000, Junet Mohamed KSh 30,000, and Joho KSh 50,000,” he said, expressing gratitude for the kindness and solidarity he received from the ODM family.
A Legacy of Loyalty and Love
Through his heartfelt reflections, Nuru Okanga painted a vivid picture of loyalty, grief, and enduring devotion. His memories of Raila Odinga — from their last conversation to the dreams that keep the leader’s memory alive — offer an intimate glimpse into the personal loss felt by those who stood closest to the opposition icon.
As he prepares to vie for an MCA seat in the next election, Okanga says his mission is to carry forward Raila’s ideals and honor his legacy through dedicated public service.
