- Senator Oburu Oginga officially announced the death of Raila Odinga to his Bondo family, according to the Luo tradition
- He detailed Raila’s final moments in India, where he had travelled with his family and detailed the reasons that led to the trip
- Oburu also revealed that Raila had plans to leave India on Friday, October 17, for another country, where they were to meet
Nancy Odindo, a TUKO.co.ke journalist, has over four years of experience covering Kenyan politics, news, and features for digital and print media.
Siaya senator Oburu Oginga has officially announced the death of former prime minister Raila Odinga to grieving residents and family members at his home in Opoda Farm, Bondo.
Source: Facebook
The announcement came on Thursday, October 16, after Raila’s body arrived in Kenya from India, where he died suddenly while undergoing treatment.
How was Oburu Oginga received at Raila’s home?
Upon arriving in Bondo, Oburu was received with deep sorrow.
Residents erupted in mourning as family members escorted him to Raila’s house, following the Luo cultural tradition of tero ywak, which requires silent entry into the home of the deceased.
The senator entered without uttering a word until he reached the house.
Inside, Oburu addressed the gathered mourners, explaining the circumstances surrounding Raila’s final days.
What caused Raila Odinga’s death?
He revealed that Raila had been suffering from a blood clot and was locally receiving medication to manage steroids, which caused extreme fatigue.
The family opted to take him to India for rest and treatment using traditional medicine.
“He was just resting,” Oburu said. “We had planned for him to travel to Dubai on Friday, October 17, where I was to meet him. On Wednesday morning, October 15, he was well and even went for a walk with Winnie. But the ailment struck suddenly and severely. Doctors tried to resuscitate him, but it didn’t work. He was taken to the ICU, and that’s where he passed away. It is what God planned. Jakom has gone, and I ask that we give him a peaceful sendoff.”
Source: Facebook
Following consultations with the family lawyer, the Raila family agreed to begin the traditional 72-hour mourning countdown from the time Raila’s body arrived in Kenya.
He will be buried on Sunday, October 19, at his father’s home in Bondo.
“He will be buried next to our mum and dad… and we welcome visitors,” he added.
What else do you need to know about Raila’s death
What happened during Raila’s body viewing?
Meanwhile, chaos rocked Kasarani Stadium, where Kenyans had thronged to view the body of the former national leader.
Ahead of the event, police officers struggled to manage the swelling crowd, forcing them to use tear gas to maintain order.
In a bizarre twist, a swarm of bees descended on some officers, who lay flat near a fence for cover, while others scrambled to escape the stings amid the haze of tear gas and rising tension.
Proofreading by Asher Omondi, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
