- Raila Odinga’s brother, Oburu Oginga, shared sad details about the last moments of the former prime minister during the funeral held in Bondo
- Oburu revealed that President William Ruto helped coordinate Raila’s medical trip to India and closely monitored his condition until he died.
- The Siaya senator also reflected on Raila’s years of struggle, recalling his imprisonment after the 1982 coup attempt and praising him for his unique courage
The funeral service of former prime minister Raila Amolo Odinga was held at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) in BondoSiaya County, and attracted thousands of mourners and prominent leaders.
Source: UGC
The event, filled with sadness and memories, shed light on the last days of one of the most enduring politicians in Kenya’s history.
During the emotional ceremony, Raila’s elder brother, Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga, gave a touching speech that brought mourners back to the memories of the last moments before the death of the former prime minister in India.
Did Ruto arrange Raila’s medical trip to India?
Full of emotion, Oburu explained how the President William Ruto played an important role in facilitating Raila’s medical journey abroad, ensuring he received the best possible care in his final days.
“I want to thank the president, who stood by us from the moment I informed him that Raila was ill,” Oburu said.
“We sat down, discussed and agreed on the next steps. He personally arranged for Raila to travel to India for treatment.”
He added that Ruto continued to communicate with the family regularly, showing concern and compassion throughout Raila’s hospitalization.
“The President was careful and monitored Raila’s condition regularly. On the day he died, I called him early to tell him that Raila’s condition was bad. Later when I informed him about his death, he was very sad,” Oburu told the mourners.
Oburu went on to express the family’s gratitude to the head of state for helping them throughout the ordeal.
He said that without the coordination of the government, planning the funeral and handling the large crowd of mourners would be a very difficult task for the family.
He noted that Ruto took responsibility for coordinating many technical arrangements, to ensure a dignified burial for the opposition leader.
He explained that the family was very grateful to the president for his contribution in planning and preparing the national funeral, saying that the responsibility would be too heavy for them to carry alone.
Was Raila arrested after the 1982 coup attempt?
While paying tribute to his younger brother, Oburu reflected on the tumultuous years in Raila’s political journey.
He recalled the 1982 coup attempt against the President’s government Daniel arap Moiwhere Raila was accused of involvement and imprisoned for years without trial.
“My uncle was arrested and charged with treason. It was a very sad time for us as a family,” Oburu said. “When I went to visit him in Kamit Prison, he was wearing a black uniform, the uniform worn only by those awaiting execution.“
Oburu recounted with great emotion when he saw Raila in prison, wearing that horrible uniform, a sign of the government’s intent to silence him.
“I saw him wearing that uniform and I burst into tears. But he laughed and told me not to worry, that everything would pass,” Oburu recalled. “I asked him how it was possible when he was facing charges of treason, but Raila was very brave. He was never afraid of anything.”
In his condolence speech, Oburu described Raila as a fearless and unyielding person, who faced injustice head on and refused to surrender in the struggle for justice and democracy.
“Raila was not afraid of the police, tear gas, or threats. He stood up for what he believed in, regardless of the cost,” he said as the mourners clapped softly.
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