Kasmuel recalls how Raila flew him by chopper to an island for lunch
By Kenneth Mwenda, October 18, 2025Activist Kasmuel McOure has shared a personal story about his friendship with the late Raila Odinga, describing him as a father figure who shaped his life beyond politics.
Speaking emotionally in Bondo on Saturday, October 18, 2025, McOure said Raila was more than a political mentor, he was a genuine friend who cared deeply for those around him.
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“I didn’t know Baba as a politician. I knew him as a friend,” McOure said. “I have very personal, very fond memories. This is the first place where he carried me in his chopper and took me to an island for lunch. It was from here.”
McOure said Raila’s death caught him by surprise, recalling how they had spoken about his health shortly before he travelled to Belgium.
“He told me about his health and aging, but he was strong,” he said. “I even told people Baba was fine, because he truly was.”
He added that visiting Raila’s body at Lee Funeral Home was one of the hardest things he had ever tried to do.
“I went to see him, but I couldn’t find the courage to look,” he said quietly.
Calls for unity in ODM
The youthful ODM leader also described Raila as a man who treated people like family and believed in nurturing the next generation.
“He opened his doors to me, treated me like a child of the home, and trusted me with responsibilities,” McOure said.
Earlier in the day, McOure had issued a warning to those attempting to take advantage of Raila’s death to create divisions within ODM. He said no one could inherit Raila’s political position because his influence was earned through years of sacrifice and service.
“You cannot inherit Raila Odinga’s position because it was not elective,” he said. “Raila will be succeeded by someone who emerges from the people.”
He urged members to support Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga, who was appointed as acting ODM leader, saying he has the experience to guide the party through the transition.