Siaya Senator Dr. Oburu Oginga delivered an emotional eulogy to his late brother, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, during the State Funeral Service held at Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi. Speaking before thousands of mourners, Dr. Oburu described Raila as not just a sibling, but a lifelong confidant, advisor, and friend.
“I have a very heavy heart to say farewell to my dear brother. Raila was more than a brother to me — he was my friend, my age-mate, my advisor, my confidant, and even my business partner,” he said.
Reflecting on their close relationship, Oburu shared that their bond was almost twin-like, given the small age gap between them.
“We grew up together as twins because the difference between us was only one year and two months,” he recalled. “Unfortunately, my brother passed away on my birthday, October 15, 1943.”
The senator painted Raila as a principled and fearless leader — a man who demanded honesty and despised mediocrity.
“Raila was a no-nonsense man. He entertained no mediocrity. If you came across him with lies or something dishonest, his left hand was very fast,” he said, drawing light laughter from the crowd. “He was braver than anyone I knew when it came to confronting those who attacked us.”
Although the elder of the two, Dr. Oburu said he always looked up to his younger brother’s political acumen and leadership.
“Even though my brother was younger than me, I respected him as my leader in the political arena,” he stated.
He closed his tribute with a touching farewell message:
“Asante, my brother. Rest in peace. Greet our father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, greet our mother, Mama Mary Oginga, and greet our brothers for us. I’m sure God Almighty will receive you with open arms. Rest in peace, my brother, rest in peace.”
The ceremony marked one of the most emotional moments of the State Funeral, as family, leaders, and citizens came together to honour the legacy of one of Kenya’s most influential political figures.
