Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga on Sunday delivered and emotional tribute to his younger brother, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, describing him as a brave and fearless man whose fight for justice and fairness began in childhood.
Speaking during the funeral service at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology in Bondo, Oburu said he had not only lost a brother but also his best friend.
“I have lost my best friend in life. I will never have any other friend like Raila. It is with a heavy heart that I stand before you because my best friend is gone,” he said.
Oburu recalled the dark days of 1982 when Raila was arrested and charged with treason following the failed coup attempt against the Moi regime.
“When I visited him at Kamiti Prison, he was wearing the dark uniform for those on death row,” Oburu said. “I cried, but he was laughing, telling me, ‘This is nothing. All this will pass’.”
He described Raila as a man who never backed down in the face of danger, even when others trembled.
“Raila was so brave when fighting for justice. He faced challenges head-on. Even when some of us were scared, Raila went ahead and continued,” he said.
Oburu reminisced about moments from their childhood that shaped Raila’s character and defined his political life.
He recalled a day when their father, the late Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, instructed them to pick cotton but Raila refused.
“He told our father, ‘Don’t you know it’s very difficult to pick cotton? Why don’t you also try?'” Oburu recounted.
He also remembered another incident when a teacher punished them for missing class, and Raila refused to salute the teacher as required, insisting that the punishment was unfair.
“He told the teacher, ‘You are caning me for nothing. My mother asked for permission. Don’t cane me again,'” Oburu stated.
Oburu said Raila will not only be remembered for his contribution to the country’s democracy but also for his passion for sports, having been a long-time supporter and patron of Gor Mahia Football Club.
“He loved football, and his team was Arsenal. He was also a patron of Gor Mahia and supported our national team, Harambee Stars,” he said.
