Siaya Senator Dr. Oburu Oginga has revealed that his late brother and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga was battling a blood clot in his head before his untimely death while receiving treatment in India.
Speaking during an exclusive interview on NTV on Sunday night, Oburu disclosed that doctors in Nairobi had detected the clot and placed Raila on strong medication, forcing him to withdraw from public appearances weeks before his death.
“It was some clot that was discovered on his head, and it was being dissolved by our doctors here in Nairobi,” Oburu said.
He explained that the medication made Raila weak and fatigued, prompting him to skip several major public functions, including the burial of former Cabinet Minister Dalmas Otieno in Migori County, where Oburu attended on his behalf. Around the same time, the ODM Party also called off its planned 20th anniversary celebrations due to Raila’s health condition.
“I went to represent him there because he was feeling weak and tired due to that kind of medication,” Oburu added.
Meeting With President Ruto Led to Emergency Evacuation
Oburu further revealed that a crucial meeting held at Raila’s Karen home—attended by President William Ruto and himself—resulted in the decision to fly the ODM leader abroad for advanced treatment.
He disclosed that Kenyan doctors had disagreed with medical experts in Dubai regarding Raila’s diagnosis, prompting President Ruto to intervene personally.
“My brother told me that Ruto had gone to the United Nations General Assembly and would meet him afterward. When Ruto came, we met at Raila’s home, discussed his condition thoroughly, and agreed he needed to leave immediately,” Oburu recounted.
President Ruto reportedly arranged a chartered flight that evacuated Raila to Mumbai, India, for specialized medical care.
“The President took the matter seriously and organised for his evacuation. I am very grateful to him for what he did. His quick reaction made it possible for us to move that fast,” he said.
Recovery and Final Days in India
In Mumbai, doctors successfully treated the clot, and Raila’s condition reportedly improved significantly.
“When he went to India, they managed to clear the clot in Mumbai. By the time he left the hospital, he was up and about, alive and kicking,” Oburu shared.
After being discharged, Raila travelled to Kerala in southern India, where he was recuperating before his sudden death.
Oburu Condemns Political Remarks Over Raila’s Death
Dr. Oburu, who fondly referred to Raila as his “twin” due to their close relationship despite a one-year age difference, condemned recent political remarks made by Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga regarding his brother’s passing.
He described Kahiga’s statements as “childish and disrespectful,” urging leaders to show empathy and maturity when addressing matters of loss.
Oburu’s emotional revelations have shed new light on Raila Odinga’s final days, painting a picture of a leader who battled illness quietly while surrounded by family, close allies, and, surprisingly, the support of President William Ruto.
