Oburu Odinga recalls Raila’s brilliance during their early school days
By Kenneth Mwenda, October 17, 2025Oburu Odinga, the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s elder brother, has shared touching memories of their childhood, painting a vivid picture of Raila’s intelligence, character, and early life.
Speaking at Nyayo National Stadium during the state funeral, Oburu reflected on growing up with his brother in Bondo, in Siaya County, while they were born in Maseno.
“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, and my confidant. He was everything, including a business partnership,” Oburu said.
The siblings grew up almost like twins, with only a one-year-and-two-month age difference.
Oburu recalled their upbringing under a strict mother, who ensured they learned essential life skills.
“Our mother told us, ‘You, my boys, you are also my girls. You must learn to fetch firewood. You must learn to cook. You must learn to prepare everything, including washing clothes and ironing.’ Raila excelled in all of it,” he said.
Oburu went on to highlight Raila’s academic brilliance.
“In class, I was average. I could be number five, number four, or number three if I did well. But Raila was always number one. He was always at the top.” This early excellence laid the foundation for Raila’s future achievements in education, politics, and public service.
Raila Odinga’s education took him far from home. He left Kenya at 17 to study in East Germany, where he attended the Herder Institute in Leipzig and later the Technical University of Magdeburg, earning a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering. He later returned to Kenya, teaching at the University of Nairobi and serving at the Kenya Bureau of Standards before venturing fully into politics.
Oburu also revealed the poignant timing of his brother’s passing.
“And unfortunately, my brother passed on my birthday, which is 15th October 1943,” he said.
Raila’s Last Moments
Raila’s youngest daughter, Winnie Odinga, shared a deeply personal account of her father’s final moments, revealing that he passed away in her arms during a walk in India on October 15, 2025. Speaking at the state funeral, she said,
“The biggest part of me died on the 15th of October 2025. I was with him in India when he took his last breath. He died in my arms.”
Winnie also dispelled rumours circulating on social media about her father’s death.
“But he did not die like people have been saying. Every day he was waking up and walking. And every day he would do one round. The next day, he would push two rounds. That morning he pushed to five rounds. He died strong, with dignity and with pride. And you must be proud of that,” she said.