- Raila Odinga’s funeral evoked mixed feelings across Kenya as thousands gathered to mourn him within the 72 hours specified in his will
- Many Kenyans noticed Raila Odinga Junior’s partially paralyzed face during the celebrations, sparking discussion about his health condition
- Junior previously revealed that he has lived with a non-cancerous brain tumor known as an Acoustic Neuroma since childhood, which slightly affects his facial muscles and speech.
Former leader of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Raila Odinga He passed away on Wednesday, October 15, and plunged the nation into deep mourning.
Source: UGC
His will indicated that he wished to be buried within 72 hours, which saw Kenya witness three days of grief filled with dignity, protest and celebrations to celebrate his legacy as a hero of democracy.
As the mourning continued, attention was directed to Raila’s family, especially his daughter Winnie Odinga and his son Raila Odinga Junior, who have often stood by their father during his public life.
Many Kenyans online noticed something about Junior’s appearance. The right side of his face appeared to be slightly paralyzed, affecting his speech.
What disease is Raila Odinga Junior suffering from?
What many may not know is that Junior lives with a medical condition known as Acoustic Neuroma.
According to Johns Hopkins Hospital, acoustic neuromas, also called vestibular schwannomas, are noncancerous tumors that grow on the nerve that connects the ear to the brain.
These growths can affect hearing and balance and can press on the facial nerve, causing tremors, spasms, or weakness in parts of the face.
In previous media interviews, Junior opened up about his condition, revealing that he was diagnosed in 1995 when he was still a child.
“I have a non-cancerous tumor that is in my brain. It has affected my nervous system, and it has been with me all my life,” he said.
He further explained that the condition caused paralysis on the right side of his face, explaining that it was not Bell’s Palsy as many thought.
“Usually I don’t talk much about it. It’s something that caused the right side of my face to be paralyzed. I think it’s a genetic condition from my mother’s side. It doesn’t affect everyone in the family, but at least one out of every five suffers,” he said.
Source: Facebook
How does Acoustic Neuroma affect Raila Junior’s life?
Junior also talked about how the situation often makes people mistake him for being younger than he really is.
“Most people think I’m an 18-year-old boy living in my father’s house. I’m over 40 years old, married, with two children,” he said jokingly.
Despite the visible effects, Junior shared that the tumor had been successfully removed years ago and that he is leading a normal life.
“It’s not necessary for me. I just continue with my life. The tumor was removed and I’m completely fine. Only people who see me differently have a problem with it, but I’m fine,” he added.
Who is Raila Junior’s wife?
In a related statement during the funeral of the former ODM leader, Junior introduced his wife, Wambui Kibukosya, to the mourners.
He warmed the hearts of many people with his gesture of love, and brought moments of humor in the midst of sadness.
The two have been married since 2011, after having a lovely wedding at the Windsor Golf and Country Club Hotel in Nairobi.
Raila’s funeral brought together dignitaries from across Africa, as his family remembered him as a dedicated father and husband.
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