- Former prime minister Raila Odinga collapsed during a routine morning walk and died moments later at a private hospital in India
- Raila had been unwell for some weeks, but the news of his passing came at a time when the country was expecting him to return home after assurances from his close allies
- An ODM MP has disclosed that the 80-year-old politician had talked about his death before it eventually occurred in similar circumstances he had alluded to
The death of former prime minister Raila Odinga shocked the nation and threw millions of Kenyans into mourning.
Source: Getty Images
Although it was preceded by rumors about his health, many Kenyans were hopeful that he would return home in good health, especially after being assured by family and close associates that he was recovering in India.
However, the sad announcement of his passing on Wednesday, October 15, brought pain and sorrow to millions of his followers across the country.
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How did ODM MPs react to the death of Raila Odinga?
In the National Assembly, ODM MPs, the party he led for a record 20 years, broke down in tears, speechless and tears betraying them.
Speaker Moses Wetang’ula was also overcome with emotion and could not wait any longer. He abruptly ended the morning session.
It was the pain of the people left behind by a man who had endured them in the bitter political battles of his life. Their grief mirrored that of birds mourning the death of a great tree that once provided them with shade, security and shelter.
But did Baba, as he was fondly referred to by his staunch followers, know that his time was coming to an end? Did he have a show?
Homa Bay MP Peter Kaluma has opened up about Raila’s initial message that prepared them for his possible departure.
What did Raila Odinga say to ODM MPs?
Kaluma, talking about what the former prime minister said that day, claimed that maybe he knew he was going to die, although it didn’t matter to them at the time.
I don’t know if he was prophesying, but he said three times that if I faint and die… no, he said if I was determined and then he said if I die, then he said if I faint and die, this is the position of my community,” said the ODM MP.
However, he refused to reveal exactly what Raila said about the political direction he wished ODM and the greater Luo Nyanza region to take in his absence.
“Let’s mourn our king for now, but I can say within 30 days, when we wait for Juogi to settle down within three months from now, we will be giving our people examples for his wishes,” said the member of parliament of the third phase.
Kaluma is the biggest supporter of the broad government created by the President William Ruto and Raila to calm the political tension and storms caused by the Gen Z revolution of June 25, 2024.
He pointed out that this is exactly what Raila wanted for the party and society.
“They are also not very well preserved (The Inklings). Do you remember when Baba was in Karachuonyo for Phoebe Asiyo’s funeral, he made a statement, and he did so in English, and he was very clear about where we are going,” said the member of parliament.
During Karachuonyo’s repeated speech, Raila called on his supporters, especially from the Nyanza region, to support the wider government, adding that he does not regret the decision.
Raila collapsed during a routine morning walk and died shortly afterwards at a private hospital in India.
He was buried in Kang’o ka Jaramogi there BondoSiaya County, Sunday, October 19.
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