Maurice Ogeta, the long-time bodyguard of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, has come out to shed light on the final moments of his boss, strongly dismissing claims that the veteran opposition leader collapsed before his death.

Speaking in Karen on Monday, June 1, 2026, during Gor Mahia FC’s presentation of its recently won trophy to Ida Odinga in honour of the late Raila Odinga, who served as the club’s patron, an emotional Ogeta recounted the events that unfolded on Wednesday, October 15, 2025.

According to Ogeta, Raila was carrying out his routine therapeutic walk around the hospital when the incident occurred. He revealed that before beginning the exercise, the former prime minister had informed him that he intended to complete five rounds of the approximately 50-metre walking track.

However, after completing the first round, Raila suddenly stopped and stood still. Concerned, Ogeta asked him what was wrong.

“He just said ‘Aii’,” Ogeta recalled emotionally, adding that those were the final words he heard from his boss before he passed away.

“Raila died walking, he wasnt on bed. My boss just stopped. Most people say or think he fell, or he collapsed. He didnt what I don’t know how people collapse when they are standing anyway, but he just decided to stop. He did not say anything. I even tried asking him, Is there any problem? Can I help? The only word he said was “Aii”, and that was it.”

Mixed explanations

The revelation comes amid ongoing debate and speculation over the circumstances surrounding Raila’s death. Various accounts have emerged regarding what transpired during his final moments, with some reports claiming that he collapsed while walking before being rushed to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

Among those who previously gave a different account was Raila’s sister, Ruth Odinga, who indicated that her brother had collapsed before his condition deteriorated.

The conflicting explanations have fuelled speculation among some political leaders and Kenyans, with questions being raised over whether Raila died from natural causes or whether there could have been other factors involved.

Orengo questions Raila’s death

Siaya Governor James Orengo has been among the leaders openly questioning the circumstances surrounding the ODM leader’s death. While addressing several public events, Orengo stated that Raila was killed by individuals he did not mention.

The governor further claimed that the same forces responsible for Raila’s death have now shifted their focus to weakening and dismantling the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) political party he spent decades building.

However, Orengo has maintained that he will not reveal everything he knows at the moment, citing respect for the grieving family. He stated that the appropriate time would come for him to speak more comprehensively on the matter.

Ruth Odinga’s dissatisfaction

Ruth Odinga has also appeared not fully satisfied with the explanations that have so far been provided regarding her brother’s death. During a recent interview, she stated that she would address the issue in greater detail when the right time arrives.

Several other political leaders, including Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Saboti MP Caleb Amisi and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, have also indicated that they will share their views on the circumstances surrounding Raila’s death when the appropriate moment comes.