The death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga on October 15 left the nation in mourning, but for his elder brother, Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga, the loss struck a deeply personal chord. In a heartfelt reflection, Oburu shared the painful details of his final conversation with Raila and the devastating moment he learned of his passing.
The Final Conversation
According to Oburu, the two had spoken just hours before Raila’s death. Their discussion was warm and optimistic, touching on family matters and plans to meet in Dubai for a short holiday. Nothing in their exchange suggested that it would be their last.
“I did not expect him to go so abruptly,” Oburu recalled. “I thought that if it were to happen, it would follow a long illness — not so suddenly.”
The Moment He Learned of Raila’s Death
On the morning of October 15, while preparing for a round of golf in Kisumu, Oburu received a distressing call from his sister, who informed him that Raila had collapsed in India and was in critical condition. “I almost collapsed when I heard it,” he said, describing how he frantically began reaching out for more information.
Through a doctor friend abroad, Oburu learned that Raila was in intensive care and that medics were fighting to save his life. Moments later, another call came — confirming the worst. “I called Ruth, and she told me, ‘We have lost him.’ Then I reached out to Winnie, who said, ‘Uncle, we have lost the battle.’ That is when I almost broke down. But I reminded myself I had to stay strong for the rest of the family.”
A Bond Beyond Politics
Speaking with deep emotion, Oburu described his brother as generous, selfless, and devoted to both family and nation. Their relationship extended far beyond politics — they shared clothes, shoes, and family responsibilities. In their final weeks, they had been discussing ways to manage the family estate and maintain unity among relatives.
Childhood Memories and Family Strength
Oburu also fondly recalled childhood moments with Raila, including the accident that left the late leader with his signature facial scars. “Raila fell from a mango tree while we were playing. I carried him home as everyone laughed. That’s how he got the scar on his mouth,” he recounted.
Tribute to Ida Odinga
In closing, Oburu paid tribute to Ida Odinga, praising her steadfastness through decades of struggle. “She stood by him through every arrest, every campaign, every hardship. She was his greatest strength,” he said.
Through his words, Oburu offered a touching portrait of Raila Odinga — not just as a political icon, but as a brother, husband, and friend whose courage, humility, and love for others defined his life and legacy.
