Siaya Senator Dr. Oburu Oginga has opened up about the last phone conversation he shared with his late brother, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, just hours before his untimely death in India.
Speaking emotionally during a press briefing on Wednesday, Oburu said Raila had sounded hopeful and lively when they spoke on the night of October 14. He recalled Raila telling him, “My brother, I’m feeling stronger now. I will be back home soon so we can continue the struggle together.”
Oburu admitted those words now haunt him deeply, as he never imagined they would be Raila’s final message. “He was so full of life. I still can’t believe that was our last conversation,” he said tearfully.
The senator added that his previous assurance to Kenyans that Raila was in good health was completely genuine. “When I said he was fine, it was the truth. He really was improving. That’s why this loss feels so heavy for all of us,” he explained.
Overcome with emotion, Oburu described his brother as a fighter, a visionary, and a man who never gave up on his people. He noted that Raila’s courage and ideals would continue to inspire generations. “We are not only mourning him; we are celebrating his legacy and everything he stood for,” he said softly.
Oburu also appealed to Kenyans to remain united and respectful throughout the mourning period. “Let us honor Raila’s memory with peace and dignity. That’s what he would have wanted — unity, peace, and reflection,” he urged.
According to family sources, the funeral committee, co-chaired by Oburu and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, is expected to release the full burial program on Thursday.
