Raila was very well until last night – Oburu Oginga says

Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga has come out to clarify that his late brother, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, was in good health until last night, saying he personally spoke to him hours before his sudden death in India.

Addressing journalists in Karen on Wednesday night, Oburu once again dispelled rumours surrounding Raila’s health, saying the ODM chief appeared vibrant and in high spirits during their last conversation, only for him to suffer what doctors suspect to have been a heart attack early Wednesday morning.

“I informed you before that he was well and kicking about and that he would be back in the country. That was not a lie; it was the truth,” Oburu said.

“He was very well until last night — I spoke to him. He was vibrant, up and kicking. It is very unfortunate that this morning he suffered shock, which is suspected after the postmortem to be a heart attack," he said.

The Siaya Senator, while expressing deep sorrow over the loss, urged Kenyans to honour Raila’s memory with dignity.

“We are not just mourning, but we are also celebrating his life. I am only praying that our people behave in a dignified manner and let us give my brother a dignified burial and a good send-off that he deserves,” he added.

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki revealed the members of the National Committee for the State Funeral of Raila Odinga, co-chaired by himself and Senator Oburu Oginga.

The committee includes Cabinet Secretaries Wycliffe Oparanya (Cooperatives and SMEs), David Chirchir (Roads and Transport), Soipan Tuya (Defence), Aden Duale (Health), and Attorney General Dorcas Oduor.

Members of the family include Dr Wenwa Akinyi Oginga, William Ojonyo, Elijah Oburu, and Dr Joe Oger. 

Those from the ODM Party are Kisumu Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o, ODM National Chairperson Governor Gladys Wanga (Homa Bay), Governors James Orengo (Siaya), Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir (Mombasa), and Simba Arati (Kisii).

From Parliament, Senate Minority Leader Stewart Madzayo and Senator Godfrey Osotsi will represent the upper House, while National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed, Minority Whip Millie Odhiambo, Dr James Nyikal, Dr Otiende Amollo, and Dr Lilian Gogo will represent the lower House.

Interior Principal Secretary Dr. Raymond Omollo will serve as secretary to the committee.

Last week, Oburu dispelled rumours surrounding Raila’s health, confirming that he was recuperating in India and was expected to return home soon.

In a separate statement, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party had also dismissed claims that Raila was seriously ill, stating that the reports were propaganda aimed at creating panic and undermining President William Ruto’s administration.

ODM noted that Raila had a long tradition of publicly addressing his health matters and would have done so if he were unwell, as he did in 2010 and 2021.

At the time, the party accused opposition figures, including former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, and DAP-K boss Eugene Wamalwa, of exploiting the rumours for political mileage.