Denis Mwangi

Raila Odinga&rsquo;s elder brother, Dr Oburu Oginga, has for the first time disclosed details about the medical treatment the late opposition leader was receiving in India before his passing.

Speaking in an interview, Oburu revealed that Raila had travelled to India for medical care after doctors in Nairobi discovered a blood clot in his head.

“It was some clot which was discovered here in the head, and it was being resolved by our doctors in Nairobi,” Oburu explained.&nbsp;

<blockquote>They were using strong medicine called steroids, which was wearing him down. That’s why you saw him pulling out of some public functions.</blockquote>

Oburu Odinga addressing ODM delegates who formally endorsed him to take over as party leader, cementing growing regional support.

He added that the medication had left the ODM leader weak and tired, prompting him to skip several public engagements, including the burial of his close ally, the late Dalmas Otieno, where Oburu represented him.

According to Oburu, Raila later travelled to India, where doctors at a hospital in Mumbai successfully cleared the clot.

“When he went to India, they managed to clear the clot which was there in Mumbai. By the time he left the hospital, he was up and about, he was kicking,” Oburu said.

After being discharged, Raila was moved to Kerala for recuperation at an Ayurvedic facility known for its traditional medicine and vegetarian diet.

“There is an <a target="_blank" class="editor-link" href="https://www.pulselive.co.ke/articles/news/local/raila-odinga-family-details-of-rosemary-odingas-health-2024081611055839544">Ayurvedic hospital where our daughter Rosemary was treated</a> when major hospitals in South Africa, Israel, Germany and China had failed. She recovered there, and we always go there as a family just to recuperate,” Oburu shared.

He revealed that Raila had been in Kerala for less than a week when he <a target="_blank" class="editor-link" href="https://www.pulselive.co.ke/articles/news/local/ruto-issues-directives-that-will-define-raila-odingas-farewell-2025101506391586931">suddenly collapsed and died</a>.

“He was supposed to leave Kerala on a Friday, but he collapsed on Wednesday,” Oburu stated.

The revelation brings to light the medical condition that had kept the veteran politician away from the public eye for weeks, following concerns over his health before his death.

File image of former Prime Minister, the late Raila Odinga

<h3>Ruto's Assistance in Raila's Treatment</h3>

Oburu also revealed that President William Ruto personally facilitated the evacuation of the late opposition leader to India for medical treatment.

Oburu disclosed that Raila had been scheduled to meet President Ruto shortly after the Head of State returned from the <a target="_blank" class="editor-link" href="https://www.pulselive.co.ke/articles/news/local/president-ruto-delivers-kenyas-statement-at-the-78th-unga-in-new-york-2024072913114080816">United Nations General Assembly</a> (UNGA).

“Ruto was coming back and he (Raila) was supposed to meet him at State House in the evening,” Oburu recounted.&nbsp;

<blockquote>I told him I wanted to go with him to hear what Ruto was saying about his sickness.</blockquote>

However, plans changed when Raila informed him that the president would visit his home instead.

“He called me after two hours and told me that now it’s Ruto who is coming to his house at 6:00 p.m. I went there, and we waited for about an hour before he arrived,” Oburu narrated.

According to Oburu, the two leaders held a detailed discussion about Raila&rsquo;s health condition and the conflicting medical opinions between doctors in Nairobi and abroad.

“They agreed that he must go to India immediately because there were different opinions among doctors,” he said.

President William Ruto during Raila Odinga's State Funeral at Nyayo Stadium on October 17, 2025

Oburu went on to praise President Ruto for acting swiftly to ensure Raila received urgent medical attention.

“The president took the matter very seriously and organised his evacuation to India. By about 4:00 p.m. the next day, he had already gone. There was a special jet which took him there,” Oburu revealed.

He added that the family was deeply grateful for the President&rsquo;s intervention, which ensured Raila received timely treatment.

Oburu Odinga addressing the country after the death of Raila Odinga

Oburu Odinga has revealed why Raila was flown to India for treatment, with President Ruto personally facilitating his evacuation.

Oburu gets candid about illness Raila was treated for in India

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has formally endorsed Senator Dr Oburu Odinga as its new party leader following the passing of the late Raila Odinga, describing the transition as both a moment of mourning and renewal.

In a press statement released after the ODM Central Committee meeting held on October 27, 2025, the party expressed deep gratitude to Kenyans and the national government for the <a target="_blank" class="editor-link" href="https://www.pulselive.co.ke/articles/news/local/visual-story-of-raila-odingas-farewell-a-nations-grief-captured-on-camera-2025102413193070502">massive outpouring of love, solidarity, and support during Raila’s funeral</a>.&nbsp;

The statement, signed by Secretary General Senator Edwin Sifuna, reaffirmed ODM&rsquo;s commitment to continue Raila&rsquo;s mission of equality, justice, and peace.

ODM Central Committee meeting held on October 27, 2025

&ldquo;We extend our heartfelt gratitude to President Ruto, members of the cabinet, and millions of Kenyans who stood with us. The dignity with which the last rites of our leader were conducted was befitting of a true statesman,&rdquo; the statement read.

The party pledged to honour Raila&rsquo;s legacy as a unifier who brought together Kenyans across social, ethnic, and economic divides.&nbsp;

ODM announced that memorial services will be held across the country to allow supporters to pay their respects, including events in Magarini (Kilifi County) on November 2 and 3, and Homa Bay and Migori on November 5 and 6.

The statement also confirmed that the ODM@20 celebrations will continue as planned from November 14 to 16 in Mombasa, taking on &ldquo;a heavier meaning&rdquo; as a dual commemoration of Raila&rsquo;s life and the party&rsquo;s two decades of existence.

The leadership appealed to members and elected officials to avoid factionalism and political infighting, urging them to focus on advancing Raila&rsquo;s ideals rather than competing for his political inheritance.

ODM Party Leader Oburu Odinga with other officials in his office on October 27, 2025

“Raila’s true inheritance is not a name or a position, but a mission, the struggle for a Kenya that works for all its children,” the party emphasised.

ODM also called on county officials across the 47 counties to revive and grow the movement at the grassroots level &ldquo;without fear or favour,&rdquo; pledging support from the party secretariat for mobilisation efforts nationwide.

The party appealed to the national government to release the funds owed to political parties, saying Raila had fought tirelessly for political party funding as a safeguard against state interference.&nbsp;

ODM argued that such support is vital to sustain democratic governance and ensure the continuation of Raila&rsquo;s vision.

ODM now faces a defining chapter in its history following the passing of its long-time leader, Odinga.&nbsp;

The party&rsquo;s Central Committee acknowledged the emotional and political vacuum left behind while rallying members to safeguard Raila&rsquo;s legacy of unity, democracy, and social justice.

ODM pledged to <a target="_blank" class="editor-link" href="https://www.pulselive.co.ke/articles/news/local/inside10-days-without-raila-turbulence-in-odm-ruto-closes-in-and-interests-emerge-2025102506244489812">remain united and resist internal divisions</a>. The statement described the post-Raila period as “admittedly difficult”, but emphasised that no individual would be allowed to exploit the transition for personal gain.

ODM leaders reiterated their commitment to continue the fight for equity, peace, and inclusion, calling on county branches across all 47 counties to revive grassroots mobilisation and maintain discipline within the movement.&nbsp;

The party warned against &ldquo;sensationalism and factional politics,&rdquo; urging the media and members to focus on sustaining Raila&rsquo;s vision rather than fuelling division.

The statement also reaffirmed ODM&rsquo;s partnership with the government until 2027, anchored on a ten-point peace and stability agenda.&nbsp;

ODM Party Leader Oburu Odinga and Secretary General Edwin Sifuna

In its first post-Raila briefing, ODM rallies around Oburu Odinga, vowing discipline, unity and continuity of the reform agenda.

Life after Raila: ODM declares stand on Ruto’s broad-based government

Dan Kauna

Raila Odinga Junior was today, October 23, 2025, formally installed as the head of his father’s family in a ceremony steeped in Luo cultural tradition at the family's Opoda Farm in Bondo, Siaya County.

The installation, which followed the <a target="_blank" class="editor-link" href="https://www.pulselive.co.ke/articles/news/local/what-railas-family-said-at-his-funeral-tributes-future-of-odm-and-the-road-ahead-2025101912504634675">burial of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga last Sunday</a>, marks a significant cultural milestone, signifying both the end of the official mourning period and the formal transfer of domestic leadership to the next generation.

The event was presided over by Siaya Senator Dr. Oburu Oginga, the elder brother of the late Raila Odinga and the patriarch of the larger Odinga clan.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Adwoko ne Oganda wa Erokamano kuom sidha odichieng ma kawuono kaka jaduong dala. Nyasaye mondo ogwedhu. Wadhi wuotho kanyakla ka waparo kaka BABA ne otayo wa! Wabiro luo chike ne gi hero ne! Thank you all for standing with our family during this unfortunate period. God bless you… <a href="https://t.co/8OX7e3Rbk2">pic.twitter.com/8OX7e3Rbk2</a>&mdash; Raila Odinga Junior (@Railajunior) <a href="https://twitter.com/Railajunior/status/1981356411138289688?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 23, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Dr. Oginga clarified the specific nature of the installation, emphasising its cultural and domestic importance over any political interpretation.

“The seat of power in this home now rests with the new leader Raila Junior, together with his mother,” Dr. Oginga stated during the ceremony.

He also set clear the nature of the seat. "This is not political leadership, but leadership of the home."

He further explained that while Raila Junior now assumes leadership of his father's household, he, Dr. Oginga, remains the overall cultural head of the entire Odinga clan, a role he held even during his brother's lifetime.

Mama Ida Odinga will continue to hold a central role, offering guidance and wisdom to her son as he takes on his new responsibilities.

<h2>The Cultural Rites of Transition</h2>

The ceremony was a display of Luo customs surrounding bereavement and succession.

Key rituals were performed to cleanse the family, conclude the mourning, and empower the new head of the home.

<h3>1. 'Chieng' mar Ang'wen' - Fourth day after burial</h3>

The installation was deliberately held on chieng' mar ang'wen, the fourth day after the burial.

In Luo tradition, this day is pivotal.

It formally concludes the funeral rites and signals <a target="_blank" class="editor-link" href="https://www.pulselive.co.ke/articles/lifestyle/raila-odinga-burial-luo-customs-explained-2025101706355377936">the end of the intense phase of mourning</a>, allowing family members, particularly daughters married elsewhere, to disperse and return to their own homes.

<h3>2. Shaving ritual: 'Liedo'</h3>

A central and symbolic component of the day was the head-shaving ritual known as liedo.

Raila Odinga Jr., son of former Prime Minister the late Raila Amolo Odinga, undergoing 'liedo' exactly 4 days after his father's burial

This act represents cleansing, renewal, and the definitive transition from a period of grief to a new beginning.

The ritual began with one of Raila Junior's grandmothers making the symbolic first cut to his hair, after which it was fully shaved.

<h3>3. Conferment of leadership symbols</h3>

To mark his ascension as the custodian of the home, Raila Junior was presented with the traditional instruments of power.

Raila Odinga receives the traditional instruments of power. Looking on is Siaya Senator Dr. Oburu Oginga and Ruth Odinga.

<ul><li>A spear, symbolising his duty to protect the home and the family from external threats.</li><li>A shield, representing his responsibility to guard and defend the family's integrity and honour.</li><li>Traditional regalia. He was dressed in traditional attire, including an animal skin cloak and headgear, befitting his new status.</li><li>Traditional chair. He sat on a symbolic traditional chair, affirming his new position.</li></ul>

Following his installation, Raila Junior, holding the spear and shield, led a Tero Buru ceremony.

Raila Odinga Jr. is installed as new head of the Raila Odinga family

This is a traditional Luo ritual <a target="_blank" class="editor-link" href="https://www.pulselive.co.ke/articles/lifestyle/raila-odinga-burial-luo-customs-explained-2025101706355377936">performed to chase away evil spirits </a>from the homestead, ensuring peace for both the departed and the living.

Dr. Oburu Oginga reinforced the importance of these customs, noting they were the same traditions observed following the death of their father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga.

He stressed that the cultural practices were not in conflict with faith but were a form of blessing, comparing them to the patriarchal blessings recorded in the Bible.

The ceremony, attended by family, community elders, and leaders, including Governors James Orengo and Gladys Wanga, concludes the formal funeral proceedings for the late statesman and ushers in continuity within the Odinga homestead.

Raila Odinga Jr. (seated) is installed as head of the Raila Odinga family. Standing, to his left, Siaya Senator and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga's elder brother Oburu Oginga looks on.

Following the end of mourning for Raila Odinga, his son, Raila Junior, has been formally installed as the head of the home in a ceremony steeped in deep cultural significance.

Inside Luo cultural rites as Raila Junior assumes new role

While <a target="_blank" class="editor-link" href="https://www.pulselive.co.ke/articles/news/local/live-blog-railas-body-arrives-at-nyayo-stadium-for-the-state-funeral-2025101704431338465?slug=news%2Clocal%2Clive-blog-ruto-arrives-at-parliament-buildings-where-railas-body-lies-in-state-2025101704431338465">a state funeral incorporates official protocol</a>, it is the cultural rites, visible on the streets and at his ancestral home, that tell a deeper story.

These are symbolic acts that carry significant weight, guiding the community through the process of grieving a respected Luo elder and leader.

<h3>The green twig: A national symbol of mourning</h3>

Almost immediately upon the announcement of his death, green twigs began to appear across the country.

A bus with green twigs tucked into its grille, pictured on October 16, 2025

Tucked into the grilles of matatus, waved from the windows of private cars, and carried by mourners on foot, the twig, known in Dholuo as yien, has become the most visible, grassroots symbol of this national loss.

In Luo tradition, the waving or displaying of green branches is a powerful and long-standing method of signalling that a community is in mourning.

It is a public declaration of grief, a way of collectively shouldering the sorrow.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">In most parts of Nairobi right now you MUST have this comprehensive insurance cover <a href="https://t.co/u6Vt6vjA4P">pic.twitter.com/u6Vt6vjA4P</a>&mdash; ALASIRI MOTORS (@alasirimotors) <a href="https://twitter.com/alasirimotors/status/1978806889824547163?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 16, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The act of carrying the twig is also seen as walking with the spirit of the deceased in a final, shared journey.

<h3>Tero Buru - A leader's farewell</h3>

At his home in Bondo, Siaya County, elders have already performed the tero buru ceremony, a significant ritual reserved for a respected male elder or leader.

Tero buru, which translates to 'chasing the dust,' is one of the most significant and dramatic rituals in a Luo funeral, reserved specifically for a respected male elder or leader.

This ceremony, traditionally performed by men, involves driving a bull (or a herd of cattle) around the homestead, grave, and sometimes to a nearby river or former battlefield.

A Luo chief riding a bull in 1930 during a "Tero Buru" ceremony

The ritual has a powerful dual purpose: it is a final, militant salute to honor the deceased's status and celebrate his life, and it is a potent cleansing rite.

The 'buru' (dust) raised by the cattle's hooves is believed to symbolically sweep away the shadow of death and chase away any lingering evil spirits (jok), ensuring the spirit of the deceased transitions peacefully and the homestead is restored to balance.

Former Prime Minister, the late Raila Amolo Odinga, takes part in a past 'tero buru' ceremony

It is less a sorrowful dirge and more a final, powerful salute.

Afterwards, the animals are led to the nearest water body, where it's believed the evil spirits would be destined.

<h3>Budho - Keeping the departed company</h3>

Following the formal announcement of death, the Luo community begins the practice of Budho, a communal vigil that lasts for several nights until the burial.

This ritual is a crucial period of collective mourning, where close relatives are required to stay within the deceased's homestead to comfort the bereaved and honour the departed.

Traditionally, Budho involved watching over the body, but today it continues as a way to mourn together even if the body is at a mortuary.

President Ruto arrives at Parliament Buildings to pay tribute to former PM Raila Odinga, who is lying in state.

The nights are filled with dirges, storytelling, and reflections on the deceased's life.

<h3>Understanding 'Tero Yuak'</h3>

Another important custom mentioned in discussions around Luo funerals is tero yuak.

This is distinct from tero buru and typically occurs much earlier in the mourning process.

'Yuak' means wailing or crying, and 'tero' means to drive, or to push.

'Tero yuak' literally translates to 'driving (or leading) the tears'.

Raila's body arrives at Nyayo Stadium for the State funeral

Tero yuak is the first wail, a specific, high-pitched cry traditionally performed by the women of the homestead, led by the first wife (mikayi).

This sound served as the official signal to the surrounding community that a death had occurred.

Its primary purpose was to 'spread the news' and formally summon relatives and neighbors to the home to begin the communal vigil (budho), thereby initiating the entire funeral process.

The climax of the Luo funeral is the burial ceremony itself, known as Iko.

Casket bearing the body of former Prime Minster Raila Odinga

This rite is traditionally held in the afternoon.

It is not merely a disposal of the body but a profound, symbolic act of returning the deceased to their ancestral land, which is why burials are mandated to occur at the family homestead, never in a public cemetery.

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta and Oburu Odinga at the grave of Raila Odinga in Bondo

The specific location of the grave is precise and significant, determined by the deceased's status (for example, a male elder is typically buried within his compound).

Before the body is finally interred, the iko ceremony involves final eulogies, prayers, and speeches from family and community leaders, formally committing the body to the earth and the spirit to the ancestors.

<h2>Performing the 'Sigweya' at the funeral</h2>

Sigweya is a traditional Luo mourning elegy, a powerful and emotional declamatory chant performed at the funeral of a respected or elderly person.

It is not a simple song but a solo performance in free rhythm, where the performer, often a man of status or someone with close ties to the deceased, chants in a lofty style.

The purpose of sigweya is to extol the virtues and celebrate the life and achievements of the departed.

The performer will often recall shared memories, praise the deceased's character (real or imagined), and describe the community's profound sense of loss, all while helping to usher the spirit of the dead into immortality.

Former Prime Minister, the late Raila Odinga pays his last respects at the burial ceremony of former Education CS the late Prof George Magoha at Odera Akang'o grounds in Yala, Siaya on February 11, 2023

It is a unique form of eulogy that is considered a high honor, famously performed by great Luo leaders like Jaramogi Oginga Odinga and Raila Odinga himself, such as at <a target="_blank" class="editor-link" href="https://www.pulselive.co.ke/articles/news/local/12-special-locations-prof-george-magohas-body-will-be-taken-ahead-of-burial-in-siaya-2024072907420111264">the funeral of Prof. George Magoha in 2023</a>, where the former PM appeared in full traditional mourning regalia (including a headdress, shield, and spear).

A few days after the burial, the immediate family undergoes a crucial purification rite known as Liedo, which involves the shaving of hair.

This ceremony, traditionally held four days after a man's burial and three after a woman's, is performed on the close relatives of the deceased, especially the surviving spouse and children.

Liedo is a powerful symbol of transition and cleansing.

It marks the official end of the first and most intense period of mourning, ritually severing the direct tie with the departed and washing away the impurity of death.

This act represents a 'new beginning,' allowing the bereaved family to re-integrate into the community and resume normal life.

<h3>Kee - The final departure of mourners</h3>

Following the burial (iko) and the subsequent ritual shaving (liedo), the Luo funeral rites conclude with Kee, which is the formal and orderly departure of relatives and mourners from the bereaved homestead.

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta when he visited the family of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga

This is not a casual exit but a structured event that signifies the end of the most intense mourning period.

The departure is conducted in strict order of seniority; the firstborn relative leaves the homestead first, followed by the secondborn, and so on.

Mama Ida Odinga with Oburu Oginga during the funeral service of former Prime Minister, the late Raila Odinga

This procession marks the formal return of the extended family to their own homes and the beginning of a new, post-funeral life for the immediate family of the deceased.

As <a target="_blank" class="editor-link" href="https://www.pulselive.co.ke/articles/news/local/live-blog-railas-body-arrives-at-nyayo-stadium-for-the-state-funeral-2025101704431338465?slug=news%2Clocal%2Clive-blog-ruto-arrives-at-parliament-buildings-where-railas-body-lies-in-state-2025101704431338465">the nation observes the official state ceremonies</a>, these cultural practices provide a vital, parallel process.

They are the threads of tradition that connect the past with the present, allowing a community and a nation to navigate a profound loss through shared rituals.

Members of the Odinga family pay their respects to former Prime Minister of the Republic of Kenya, the late Raila Odinga

The mourning for former Prime Minister Raila Odinga continues, blending national grief with Luo cultural traditions. These traditions define the late former PM's farewell, reflecting the community's ways of expressing loss, respect, and ensuring a proper transition for a respected leader.

Luo traditions shaping Raila Odinga's final journey

Charles Ouma

President William Ruto has assured Kenyans that there shall be no extra judicial killings or political assassination under his rule while welcoming thorough investigations into the accident that claimed the life of Chief of Defence Forces General Francis Ogolla.

In acknowledgement of the country’s past that was also highlighted by Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga who appealed to General Francis Ogolla’s death, the President noted that no stone will be left unturned.

“<a href="https://www.pulselive.co.ke/news/local/millions-kdf-soldiers-families-receive-if-they-die-in-battle-within-and-outside-kenya/c0vpmm5">Even though it was an accident</a>; in this region we've had many such accidents and we've also had assassinations of leaders from this region. So when such things happen we are a bit suspicious not because of anything, but we want to know the truth.

“We want to ask the General's son (Joel) not to be impatient with us. It's not because of anything it is because once bitten twice shy. We asking for no stones to be left unturned and let us know the truth on who killed General Ogolla,”&nbsp;Oburu said amid applause from the crowd.

When he took to the podium, the President noted that his solemn duty is to secure every Kenyan and such incidents that were reported in the past will not happen during his rule.

"It is true we have lost many Kenyans because of extrajudicial killings, it is also very true that we have lost many because of political assassinations and I made a commitment to Kenyans that there will never be there shall never be again extra judicial killings or political assassinations," said President Ruto.

READ: <a href="https://www.pulselive.co.ke/news/local/charlene-ruto-outsmarts-organizers-and-president-ruto-to-speak-at-general-ogollas/gvnmwe1">How Charlene outsmarted President Ruto &amp; event organizers at General Ogolla's burial</a>

"There shall never be another occasion where we have bodies of Kenyans in river Yala. Not under my watch." Added the President.

He also reiterated that like every other Kenyan, he is interested in knowing the truth and all details shall be laid bare.

"I have full confidence in KDF. They are our foremost professional entity in Kenya therefore I have full confidence that General Omenda and the team he has appointed to make sure that all details are laid bare on the accident that took away the life of General Ogolla. I know the KDF are as concerned as I am and every Kenyan on the life of Ogolla." Stated Ruto.

General Ogolla was laid to rest at his home in Alego, Siaya county on April 21 2024.

President William Ruto accompanied by his deputy Rigathi Gachagua, First Lady Racheal Ruto, First Daughter Charlene Ruto and other dignitaries at the funeral of the late Chief of Defence Forces, General Francis Ogolla in Siaya on April 21, 2024

Ruto responds to Oburu's pleas to General Ogolla’s son to allow probe into his death

No room for assassinations under my rule – Ruto’s bold response to Oburu Odinga

Raila Odinga’s elder brother, Oburu Oginga has alleged that the Kenya Kwanza government is planning to kill the opposition leader.

The Siaya Senator led a section of ODM leaders in expressing their fear for Raila’s life, claiming that a hit squad has been assembled to execute the plan and eliminate the veteran opposition chief.

The lawmaker added that as a family, they are in the know of the alleged plan crafted in response to the national protests called for by the Azimio leader.

"We are aware as a family and as Luos, and as Kenyans that the government has bad plans to finish the life of Raila," he said.

He added that President William Ruto would be responsible should anything happen to the opposition chief and cautioned against any evil machinations targeting Odinga.

"Ruto we are warning you in broad daylight that if you attempt...if you attempt..." Oburu added.

His sentiments were echoed by Kisumu Woman Representative, Rosa Buyu who cautioned that such a move would have devastating consequences.

"Try to kill him, and you will have to kill all of us. The only person who can call off the demonstrations is Raila Amolo Odinga.

"If you attempt to touch even a strand of hair on Raila's head, this country will never be the same again” Buyu added.

READ: <a href="https://www.pulselive.co.ke/news/local/details-of-rutos-closed-door-meeting-to-tame-raila-ahead-of-protests/cnhv9vq">Details of Ruto's plan to tame Raila ahead of protests</a>

ODM leaders addressing a rally in Kisumu on Saturday, July 15

Raila alleges killer quad

Odinga himself has alleged a plot targeting Azimio leaders, claiming that a killer squad led by one Mr. Kariuki has been assembled and would be unleashed on Kenyans.

"This time round, it is not just the official security officers that are being unleashed on Kenyans. Kenya Kwanza has embedded a trained killer squad in the name of Operation Support Unit into the official security agencies and unleashed it on Kenyans.

"It is the squad Ruto is counting on ‘kusafirisha’ Azimio leaders as William Ruto warned,"

“Kenyans have never lost a liberation struggle. We get beaten, arrested, and killed but we never lose. We shall not lose the one currently underway. Police killings during protests have happened in the past. Almost always, those shot are innocent Kenyans not involved in demonstrations. These killings are meant to spread fear among Kenyans so that they succumb to the excesses of the regime," Odinga stated.

The opposition has called for three days of national protests to pressure the government to address the rising cost of living and ditch the Finance Act 2023 among other demands.

File image of ODM leader Raila Odinga (left) and his brother, Dr Oburu Oging

Oburu Odinga

Oburu gets candid about illness Raila was treated for in India

Life after Raila: ODM declares stand on Ruto’s broad-based government

Inside Luo cultural rites as Raila Junior assumes new role

Luo traditions shaping Raila Odinga's final journey

No room for assassinations under my rule – Ruto’s bold response to Oburu Odinga

The government has plans to assassinate Raila - Oburu claims