The solemn announcement came on Thursday, October 16, shortly after Raila’s body arrived in Kenya from India, where he died suddenly while undergoing treatment.
Upon his arrival in Bondo, Oburu was received by a sorrowful crowd of residents and relatives, many of whom broke down in tears as the reality of the loss sank in.
Following Luo cultural traditions, the senator was escorted to Raila’s home in silence under the tero ywak custom, which requires mourners to enter the home of the deceased quietly.
Oburu entered without uttering a word until he reached inside the house, where family members and close friends had gathered.
Breaking the silence, Oburu addressed the mourners, recounting the circumstances surrounding Raila’s final days. He explained that the ODM leader had been battling a blood clot and was on medication to manage steroid-related fatigue.
“He was just resting,” Oburu said, his voice heavy with emotion. “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.”
Following consultations with the family lawyer, the Odinga family agreed to begin the traditional 72-hour mourning period from the time Raila’s body arrived in Kenya. He will be laid to rest at his father’s home in Bondo.
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