Dennis Onyango, who served as Raila Odinga’s spokesperson, has said the issue of the former Prime Minister being buried within 72 hours of his death did not come as a complete surprise to him.

Speaking during an interview on Sunday, June 7, 2026, Onyango revealed that Raila Odinga had personally told him about his wish to be buried within three days, months before his death.

According to Onyango, the conversation happened shortly after the death of former Chief of Defence Forces General Francis Ogolla.

The late and former Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Francis Ogolla died on April 30, 2024 after a plane he was in crashed.

Raila Odinga’s burial within 72 hours

Onyango recalled that he was in Migori County when Raila wanted to visit General Ogolla’s family following the military chief’s death.

It was during discussions surrounding Ogolla’s burial arrangements that Raila allegedly shared his own wishes regarding how he would like to be laid to rest.

“So also, the issue of being buried within 72 hours or three days. He had told me that, but I had dismissed him,” Onyango said.

“When General Francis Ogolla died, Raila told me that the General had written in his will that he would like to be buried within 72 hours. Raila then told me that is exactly how I would like to be buried.”

According to Onyango, he dismissed the idea at the time, arguing that it would be difficult for the Luo community to embrace such an arrangement.

“I told him nobody would accept those things. I told him no Luo would accept that,” he said.

However, Onyango said he realised Raila had been serious when he later learnt that the burial within 72 hours had been included in his wishes and faced no opposition from family members.

Raila Odinga and the broad-based government

Onyango also spoke about Raila’s decision to support the broad-based government arrangement with President William Ruto.

According to him, Raila firmly believed in political dialogue and cooperation through the handshake approach.

“Raila believed in the handshake. He agreed with the agenda of the President,” Onyango said.

He further stated that he finds it difficult to believe that the appointment of Orange Democratic Movement leaders Hassan Joho, John Mbadi, James Opiyo Wandayi, Wycliffe Oparanya and Beatrice Askul to Cabinet positions could have happened without Raila’s knowledge and approval.

“Those are his people. I do not want to believe that they could have been picked without his consent,” he added.

What Raila thought about Edwin Sifuna and Babu Owino

Onyango also offered insight into Raila’s relationship with Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino.

He described Sifuna as one of Raila’s political protégés and among the leaders the former Prime Minister greatly admired for his communication skills.

“Sifuna was Raila’s political son. Raila liked him and his ability to articulate issues,” Onyango said.

However, he claimed the relationship suffered after an explosive interview that made Raila appear uncertain about his political decisions.

On Babu Owino, Onyango said Raila viewed the youthful legislator as ambitious but sometimes impatient.

“Raila thought Babu was going to be trouble to his base. He thought the guy was very impatient,” Onyango stated.

The remarks have provided fresh insight into Raila Odinga’s personal views, political decisions and final wishes following his death.