Kisii Governor Simba Arati has sharply criticised individuals he accuses of wishing for the premature death of the late former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga.

Speaking to a local TV station on Saturday, October 18, 2025, Arati revealed his devastation with the sudden manner of Raila’s demise.

“It is very painful that he (Raila) is no more. Baba had not been sick. We were with him a month back, and we spoke about many issues. I am devastated that it has happened,” he stated.

The ODM governor also hit out at a section of people who he claimed wanted to see the veteran politician dead but were now among those crying out the loudest.

“Baba is a very tenacious individual. He could have died a long time ago. Some of those crying now are those who wanted the man dead, but he made it this far because of God’s grace,” he stated.

Honouring Raila

In tribute to his departed party leader, the governor has implored Kenyans to solemnly mark the upcoming Mashujaa Day on Monday, October 20, 2025, by celebrating the legacy of the politician.

“During this Mashujaa Day, I want to urge Kenyans in all 47 counties to celebrate Baba as a hero of democracy. Today, we celebrate the fruits of his labour. Let us celebrate him and where he has left us a nation. He has left us where no one will be able to undo the progress he helped bring,” he stated.

Ruth Odinga hit out at Gen Zs

The governor’s remarks come after Kisumu Women representative and Raila Odinga’s sister’s Ruth Odinga, similarly, lamented what she termed as hypocrisy from a section of the youth who are now mourning her late brother.

Ruth said Raila died feeling rejected by some young Kenyans, particularly those who had previously expressed hostility towards him on social media.

She revealed that despite the overwhelming national unity and love being witnessed after his passing, her brother never lived to see it or feel its warmth.

“I want to say that Generation Z are the same people now telling me about the outpouring of love after he has died. But how about when he was alive, and you were saying that he should die? He died knowing that you people preferred him dead,” she said.