Raila’s Brother Reveals Heartbreaking Last Words Before Former PM’s Death

Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga has opened up about the final phone conversation he had with his late brother, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, just hours before his sudden death in India last year. 

The revelation offers a poignant glimpse into the personal side of Kenya’s iconic opposition leader in his final moments.

Speaking during a press briefing, Oburu described the conversation as “painful but full of hope.” 

He recalled that Raila sounded energetic and optimistic during their call on the evening of October 14, 2025, expressing confidence that he would soon return home.

“He told me, ‘My brother, I am feeling stronger now. I will be back home soon so we can continue the struggle together,’” Oburu recounted, visibly emotional. 

Those words haunted him the following morning when he received the devastating news of Raila’s passing, believed to have been caused by a heart attack.

Oburu emphasized that his brother had been in good health at the time, noting that prior assurances to Kenyans about Raila’s condition were truthful. 

“When I told Kenyans he was fine, it was not a lie. He really was. That is why this loss feels even heavier,” he said.

Describing Raila as a fighter and a visionary, Oburu said his brother’s legacy will endure. 

“We are not only mourning him; we are celebrating his life and what he stood for. I don’t have the strength to say more,” he added.

The senator also urged Kenyans to observe the mourning period with peace and respect, highlighting the importance of unity in honouring Raila’s memory.

 “Let us honour Raila’s memory with dignity. That’s what he would have wanted — unity, peace, and reflection,” he said.

The late former Prime Minister’s funeral committee, co-chaired by Oburu Oginga and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, had coordinated arrangements to ensure that Raila was laid to rest with the highest honours befitting his status as one of Kenya’s most influential political leaders.