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Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga has addressed public speculation surrounding his brother, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga's health, asserting that earlier reports of his recovery in India were accurate, just hours before his unexpected death from a heart attack.
Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga, elder brother to the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, dismissed claims that the family misled Kenyans about Raila's health in the days leading up to his death. Speaking during a press briefing in Karen, Nairobi, Oburu maintained that earlier reports indicating Raila's recovery were truthful and not an attempt to conceal his true condition.
Oburu emotionally recounted his final conversation with his younger brother, stating that Raila was in good spirits just hours before his sudden passing. "We are mourning and celebrating the life of a great leader, as I had told you before. I informed you that he was well and that he would soon be back in the country. That was not a lie; it was the truth," Oburu stated. He further added that Raila was healthy and recovering well. "He was very well until last night when I spoke to him. He was vibrant and happy. It is only unfortunate that this morning he got a shock that, according to the postmortem, said it was a heart attack," he clarified.
Raila Odinga, a towering figure in Kenyan politics, passed away at the age of 80 in Kochi, Kerala, India, on Wednesday, October 15, 2025. He had travelled to India for medical treatment, specifically Ayurvedic therapy, at the Sreedhareeyam Ayurvedic Eye Hospital and Research Centre. This was the same facility where his daughter, Rosemary Odinga, had previously received successful eye treatment. His death was confirmed by Devamatha Hospital in Kerala State, where he was rushed after collapsing during a morning walk. Doctors at Devamatha Hospital confirmed he suffered a cardiac arrest and did not respond to resuscitation efforts.
Speculation surrounding Raila Odinga's health had been circulating for weeks prior to his death, fueled by his absence from public events. Both his family and officials from the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) had previously issued reassurances that he was in good health and recuperating. On October 11, 2025, Senator Oburu Odinga had confirmed that Raila was recuperating in India after being indisposed, stating he had gone for a medical check-up and was recovering. His wife, Ida Odinga, had also dismissed rumours of his ill health on October 8, 2025, asserting that he was fine and simply resting abroad.
Following the announcement of Raila Odinga's death, President William Ruto declared seven days of national mourning, during which the Kenyan flag would fly at half-mast across the country and at diplomatic missions abroad. President Ruto also announced that Odinga would be accorded a state funeral with all attendant honours. A National Committee for the State Funeral of Raila Odinga has been formed, co-chaired by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Senator Oburu Odinga.
President William Ruto, in an address to the nation, described Raila Odinga as a "once-in-a-generation leader," a "giant of democracy," and a "tireless warrior of good governance." Former President Uhuru Kenyatta praised Odinga as "a father to the nation, a steadfast champion for the people, and a true son of Kenya." Tributes have also poured in from international leaders, including Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who described Odinga as a "towering statesman."
Raila Odinga's death leaves a significant leadership vacuum within Kenya's political opposition ahead of the 2027 elections. His passing has sent shockwaves across Kenya, with many supporters mourning the loss of a figure affectionately known as "Baba" or "Jakom."
While the family and ODM party had consistently reassured the public about Raila's stable health, the sudden nature of his death has led to some public discourse regarding the transparency of information surrounding his medical condition.
The nation will be watching closely as funeral arrangements unfold, with a focus on maintaining peace and unity during this period of national mourning. The political landscape will also be under scrutiny as various factions consider the implications of Odinga's passing on future elections and political alliances.
