Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga has spoken out about the heartbreaking final moments he shared with his brother, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, just hours before his sudden death in India.
Speaking during a State Funeral Committee briefing on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at Raila’s Karen residence, Oburu, visibly emotional, dismissed claims that the family had concealed the true state of Raila’s health. He insisted that his earlier assurances about Raila’s recovery were based on accurate information.
“As I had told you before, I informed you that he was well and kicking about and that he would soon be back in the country. That was not a lie; it was the truth,” Oburu said, his voice breaking as he recalled their final conversation.
Oburu revealed that the two had spoken the previous night and that Raila sounded lively and full of energy. “He was very well until last night; I spoke to him. He was vibrant, up and kicking,” he recounted, adding that there had been no indication of any immediate health danger.
According to Oburu, the sudden death came as a shock to the family, with doctors suspecting a heart attack as the cause. “It is only unfortunate this morning that he suffered shock, which is suspected after the post-mortem to be a heart attack,” he stated.
Reports from India indicated that Raila collapsed at the Sreedhareeyam Ayurvedic Eye Hospital and Research Center and was rushed to a private hospital in Koothattukulam, where he was pronounced dead.
Raila had traveled to India on October 10 for treatment following a mild illness. Oburu had earlier clarified that his brother was recuperating and not in critical condition.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki also confirmed that he had recently spoken with Raila, describing him as being in good health.
As per his wishes, Raila Odinga will be laid to rest on Sunday, October 19, seventy-two hours after his passing.
