It has been a matter of public debate on whether Raila died in Kenya, earlier than reported or in India as announced. WoK delves into this issue to clear the doubt that Raila passed away in India as announced.

Here are strong reasons to believe so:

1). Raila’s wish to be buried within 72 hours of his death

The veteran opposition leader’s wish was to be buried within 72 hours of his death. If he had died earlier as alleged then this short period would not have been honoured. In the African culture and across the globe for that matter, going against the wishes of a dead is something few can dare.

2). Indian news sites breaking the news

The likely reason why Raila went to India for treatment was for his privacy. However, information about him not being in good health seems to have been leaked prior to his death.

The fact that Indian news sites were the first to announce that Raila passed away during a morning walk proves that Raila actually passed away in India. The nature by which these sites went ahead and broke the news prior to the official GoK announcement proves that the same would have happened if Raila had died earlier.

3). Insiders 

The various people who had close contact with Raila Odinga revealed their messages to Odinga at a time when people rumored that he had already died.

Esther Passaris for example revealed that she talked to Raila on the last Monday before his death.

“In the morning, I woke up and said, ‘let me send my party leader a message.’ So on Monday I sent him a message; you can see here. I sent him one Monday. I sent him a long message. I always keep Baba informed of my entire life.”

Another person who had contact with Raila Odinga is Gabriel Oguda who revealed how he has missed Raila’s call.

Oguda posted a screenshot showing two missed calls from Raila on Monday, October 13 just a few days before he died.

“Twice I missed Baba’s call on Monday. He called back again after I returned his call and didn’t connect.” 

“After speaking for two minutes, he called me back again immediately to pass on a message he had missed during the earlier call.”

“I am lost for words,” he said.

Another insider and man who is known to be close to Odinga family is journalist Dennis Onsarigo who revealed that Raila was going to jet back to Kenya the weekend before he died.

“What Oburu Odinga said is right, he was returning home over the weekend and was in good health,” he said in a live session with NTV.

Another insider, and ODM communication chief Phillip Etale revealed that Odinga had reached out to him to set records straight that he was still alive.

While in India, Raila kept in touch with close allies. Etale recalled receiving a call from him on Monday, 6 October, around 12:55pm.

“It was like a coincidence because I was seated in the office with some of our youths who had come to seek clarification on the news that was spreading on social media regarding Baba’s health,” he said.

“I sought his permission to put him on loudspeaker so he could assure the young men that he was okay. He agreed. The boys were happy. They left smiling and assured. It is then that Baba said, ‘Philip, I can see people posting so many untruths about me online (laughing and giggling). Tell them we are praying for them.”

4). CCTV footage

The CCTV footage which is dated 15th October, 2025 reveals the last moments of Raila Odinga where medics hurriedly put him on a stretcher. However, all efforts including CPR and defibrillation were futile. Raila Odinga was pronounced dead that day at around 9:52 a.m Indian Time (7: 22 a.m Nairobi time).

Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga has resigned from his position as the vice chairperson of the Council of Governors after he made remarks that the death of Odinga was a new lease of life for a certain community.

The remarks caused a public uproar especially coming at a time when Odinga had just been buried.

Kahiga has apologised to the Odinga family and said his sentiments were taken out of contest.

“What I meant is that under the broad-based government, we have skilled development and politically, the loss of Raila sends everyone back to the drawing board, as the popular goes, God takes the best, and it is in this context that I made those remarks in vernacular,” he said.

“I want to sincerely apologise to our morning nation, to the family of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Mama Ida, her children Rosemary, Junior and Winnie, Senator Oburu Oginga, Ruth Odinga, other siblings, the larger extended family, the ODM fraternity, the Luo nation and the Kenyans at large, and to my colleague leaders from all sides of the political divide for any harm it has elicited,” he added.

While taking responsibility for his utterance, he added that what he said was his own opinion and in now way should it be used to reflect the collective views of his community.

“In noting the huge public interests that this issue has generated, I am taking responsibility of the real and perceived meaning of my remarks and as a result therefore, I have decided that with immediate effect I am going to step down as the Vice chair of the Council of Governors and as I do that I also pray that the soul of the Raila Odinga continue resting in peace.”

Since my childhood, I admired how Odinga shaped and controlled the pulse of Kenya’s political landscape. He was an icon who knew when to go full throttle and when to tightly press on the brake pedals of Kenya’s politics.

I first came to know about Odinga after the KANU government was shoved out of power in 2002, a historical moment for Kenya as it offered a new lease of life into Kenya’s prosperity, both economically and politically.

I extol Odinga as an icon who was indefatigable at fighting for Kenya’s democracy, electoral justice, human rights and the new Constitution.

Democracy

It will be an injustice to talk about the freedoms we all enjoy without mentioning Odinga’s instrumental role. Alongside other icons including Kenneth Matiba and Charles Rubia, Odinga helped in the fight for multiparty democracy in Kenya.

Odinga would call on his supporters to take to the streets whenever he felt the powers that be had frozen Kenyans out. It would sometimes turn into a violent and deadly confrontation between the police and his supporters. This served as a strong reminder at the sacrifices and price that have to be paid in a bid to achieve democratic reforms.

Electoral Justice

To day, the only political rally I have ever attended was Odinga’s NASA rally that was held in Eldoret’s 64 Stadium in July 2017. I was lucky to have thronged the stadium early enough hence getting a space that was close to the podium.

As soon as Odinga arrived, the DJ played Hellenah Ken’s Mambo Yabadilika hit, a masterpiece that fired my soul in the quest for a change of leadership.

Odinga among other NASA principals led thousands of Kenyans in observing a minute of silence in honour of IEBC ICT Director Chris Msando who had been tortured and strangled to death.

That day, Odinga was dressed in a blend of both traditional and political attire. He wore a white long-sleeved shirt that had small stripes of green, blue, black and orange that run vertically on the upper chest. A red-checkered Maasai shuka was draped over the right shoulder. His dressing was complete with a blue fedora style hat that was branded with the word NASA.

Odinga’s speech was a message of hope that Kenyans were going to vote for him on 8th, August 2017. He however sent a message that IEBC conduct the elections in a free and fair way, noting that the results as announced in the constituency tallying centres should be final.

“The elections must be held within provisions of the law,” he said.

When the results were announced, Odinga was unsuccessful in his bid and took a petition to the Supreme Court which declared the elections null void. This was another Kenyan historical moment that Odinga cemented. Odinga has helped sculpture Kenya’s electoral reforms that today makes it difficult to conduct dubious elections.

And despite what many may describe as a curs£ because of his inability to capture power, I believe this was a narrative by powerful figures into manipulating people to accept dubious electoral processes.

Odinga had a forgiving heart

Given his ability to join hands with his foes and burying the hatchet, I extol Odinga as a man who had a forgiving heart.

At times we may harbour intents to revenge against our enemies but it is worth remembering that vengeance leaves no winners. In fact, it leaves wounded souls on both sides.

Odinga’s resilience was like that of an old Ford tractor. Despite losing four times in his bid to become Kenya’s president, he still attempted the fifth and was unsuccessful. However, that did not kill his political spirit and he still remained as strong as an oak in Kenya’s political landscape.

Final message 

An Icon has fallen but his spirit endures. The country shall live to remember Raila Amolo Odinga.

May the soul of Odinga rest in eternal peace.

Speaking at the event, Jared Oundo, Executive Director of Jubilant Stewards of Africa (JSA) which is a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) dedicated to the improvement of living standards, social ethics, dignity and empowerment of communities. and an aspiring MP for Embakasi South in 2027, emphasized the need for government accountability and immediate action.

“The people of Mukuru kwa Reuben and Embakasi South have endured enough. They are paying for healthcare but cannot access proper medical services. Fires have left families homeless, and water shortages continue to cripple livelihoods. The government must listen to the people before the situation worsens,” Oundo stated.

One of the key concerns raised was the inefficiency of the Social Health Authority (SHA), which has been widely criticized for failing to disburse funds to hospitals, leaving patients stranded without medical care. The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) and the Union of Kenya Civil Servants (UKCS) recently issued a two-week ultimatum to the government, threatening nationwide protests if reforms were not implemented. “More than five million Kenyans are at risk of missing critical medical services due to SHA’s failed system,” UKCS Secretary General Tom Odege warned. “Public servants are paying double for a system that doesn’t work, while government leaders prioritize personal interests.”

The healthcare crisis has left thousands of residents and Kenyan citizens at large struggling, with many forced to rely on expensive private hospitals or community fundraising to access treatment.

Residents also decried the frequent fire outbreaks, the most recent one occurring in Kariobangi area near Gatoto, which destroyed homes and businesses. With inadequate fire response mechanisms in informal settlements, families are often left to rebuild their lives with little to no support.

Community leaders at the forum called for improved emergency response services, better housing infrastructure, and proactive disaster prevention strategies.

Embakasi South residents continue to suffer from chronic water shortages, with thousands lacking access to clean drinking water. Despite repeated government promises, water supply remains unreliable, disproportionately affecting low-income families in informal settlements like Mukuru kwa Reuben.

The forum also criticized the lack of investment in critical infrastructure, calling on both county and national governments to prioritize roads, drainage systems, and sanitation projects.

With the 2027 general elections on the horizon, the forum also urged politicians and the community to commit to peaceful political transitions and avoid divisive rhetoric that could fuel tensions.

The leaders vowed to continue mobilizing residents and stakeholders to push for solutions, warning that if the government does not act, they will escalate their efforts.

“This is just the beginning. We are demanding action, not empty promises. If our voices are ignored, we will persist in advocating for solutions through every available channel until meaningful change happens,” Oundo asserted.

The participating organizations plan to petition government agencies, engage policymakers, and sustain media pressure to ensure their grievances are addressed.

For now, the residents of Embakasi South and Mukuru kwa Reuben remain hopeful but skeptical, watching to see whether their leaders will listen—or whether history will repeat itself once again.

Maraga shared these sentiments during the People Dialogue Festival at Uhuru Park stating that corruption was Kenya’s number one enemy.

“You are given resources to use for the welfare of the people…. you take it all to yourself”, he said.

The former CJ blamed rampant graft to the problem facing African countries, Kenya included.

“The truth of the matter what is ailing this country and many African countries is corruption”, he added.

“The moment you deal with corruption we will have no problem. If i were to be given the privilege to govern this country, I will get everybody to obey the law”, he said amid applause from the participants.

“I want to ask you: which type of leader would you want to have? The state of the country is bad…It’s open for everybody to see that the resources are being plundered, right left and center. The leadership that is required is one that is accountable to the people. The leadership we need is one who understands that when you are in a position of leadership, you are just a trustee of the people.”

This article takes a look at the multi-billion hotels owned by these five political big wigs in Kenya.

William Ruto

The president family owns Weston Hotel located along Langata road.  Multi reports also indicate he owns the 600-room Dolphin Hotel located in Shanzu, Mombasa County. The three-star facility is said to be worth upwards of Ksh600 million.

Rigathi Gachagua

The former DP owns Treetops Hotel, Outspan Hotel, Olive Gardens Hotel, and Vipingo Beach Resort. In the past, he revealed his wealth to be Ksh7 billion.

“My wealth has always been documented in public. In 2019, I was worth Ksh 12 billion. In 2022, I had Ksh 7 billion to my name.”

Kenyatta Family

The Kenyatta family ranks among the wealthiest in Kenya. The family owns seven hotels: Voyager Resort in Mombasa, Voyager Ziwani Camp in Tsavo, Intrepids in Samburu and Maasai Mara and the Great Rift Valley lodge in Naivasha.

Moi Family

During his reign, the late president Daniel arap Moi amassed wealth in the tune of billions. Lake Bogoria Spa and Resort, Lord Errol, Merica Hotel and Intercontinental Hotel.

Odinga Family

Described as the enigma in Kenyan politics, Raila Odinga has amassed considerable wealth in his illustrious political career. He owns the Royal City Garden Hotel and in 2023 it was reported that the family was building a Ksh515 million hotel in Kilifi through Kango Enterprise Limited where Raila Odinga is listed a shareholder.

Known for his combative style and bold rhetoric, Gachagua’s polarizing demeanor often overshadows his educational achievements and extensive administrative expertise. Yet, he holds a solid academic foundation from various reputable institutions in Kenya.

Raised in Nyeri County, Gachagua’s upbringing was shaped by his family’s involvement in the Mau Mau struggle. His father, Gachagua Reriani, a staunch advocate for education, encouraged Rigathi to pursue his studies, beginning at Kabiruini Primary School from 1971 to 1977.

He later advanced to Kianyaga High School, where he excelled in both his O-level and A-level studies.

In 1985, he enrolled at the University of Nairobi to pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Literature. During his studies, he took on prominent student leadership roles, serving as the chairperson of the Nyeri District University Students Association (NDUSA) and leading the Association of Literature Students. He graduated in 1988, driven by a strong passion for leadership and governance.

Gachagua’s zeal prompted him to further his education to refine his administrative capabilities. In 1990, he underwent paramilitary training at the Administration Police Institute, gaining critical skills in leadership and crisis management.

Later on, he pursued an Advanced Diploma in Public Administration at the Kenya School of Government between 1999 and 2000.

The course equipped him with knowledge in policy development, preparing him for the role of personal assistant to former President Uhuru Kenyatta, a position he held between 2001 and 2006.

Gachagua’s educational journey defies the stereotype that abrasiveness signals a lack of intellectual capability. His academic foundation, coupled with extensive administrative experience and subsequent entrepreneurial ventures, shaped him into a leader equipped with the expertise to navigate Kenya’s intricate political and governance landscape.

Despite his impeachment, he remains an authoritative figure in the country’s political landscape and continues to wield significant influence in governance and political discourse.

IEBC has remained without quorum for over two years resulting in political restlessness across various parts of the country.

In a gazette notice, President Ruto appointed Kiome Lindah Gakii, Communication professional Oloo Adams, James Evans Misati, Nicodemus Kipchirchir Bore, Ambassador Koki Muli Grignon Carolene Kituku Tanui Andrew Kipkoech, Nelson Makanda and Fatuma Saman to be members of the panel.

“In exercise of the powers conferred by section 7A of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission Act, as read with paragraph 1 (2) of the First Schedule to the Act, I, William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, appoint (the 9-member team) to be Members of the Selection Panel for the Recruitment of nominees for appointment as the Chairperson and Members of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission,” the notice read in part.

In this article, WoK dives into the academic and career backgrounds of President Ruto’s appointees.

Carolene Kituku

Carolene Kituku is a constitutional and human rights lawyer passionate about justice and equality. Her interests focus on the advancement and protection of women’s rights, using the law and court systems as a tools for social change to address diverse gender inequalities evident in various laws and practices within the African continent. She is keen on the interplay between governance, democracy, and the rule of law and their implication on holding the state accountable for human rights violations.

She is an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya and holds a Master’s of Law degree from the University of Western Cape in international law with a focus on international criminal law and transitional and transnational criminal justice. She obtained her Bachelor of Laws degree from Moi University and a postgraduate diploma in law from the Kenya School of Law.

Carolene is in active practice of public law. Over the years, she has gained skills that adequately provide a sound balance between abstract legal knowledge and practical litigator’s reality both substantively and procedurally.

She has also been involved in the research and documentation of human rights abuses when she worked as a researcher at the Kenyan Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission (KTJRC), her significant contribution being the writing of the TJRC’s final report on the chapter on Massacres as a form of crime against humanity and a human right violation.

In addition, Carolene served as a law clerk to Justice Isaac Lenaola, judge of the Supreme Court of Kenya, and thereafter, she worked as a law clerk for the Deputy Chief Justice Dikgang Moseneke of the Constitutional Court of South Africa.

Koki Muli Grignon

Amb. Dr. Koki Muli Grignon is a distinguished scholar, diplomat and expert with impeccable credentials, competencies and expertise in electoral law, elections, democracy, governance and human rights.

She holds a PhD in Law (focusing on electoral law, elections management, democracy and governance) from University of Dar-es-Salaam, a Masters in Human Rights from University of London, a Bachelor of Laws from University of Nairobi, a Diploma in Law from Kenya School of Law and numerous certificates from various professional bodies/institutes including in Elections, Democracy and Governance, Management, Mediation, Conciliation, Compliance and Senior Leadership.

 Kiome Lindah Gakii

The former acting Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President was former Agriculture & Livestock Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi’s running mate during the 2022 general election where the latter sought the Meru County gubernatorial seat.

Gakii is an experienced counsel who has served on different boards of institutions in Meru County, including Kaaga Girls, Meru Polytechnic, and Meru Teaching and Referral Hospital, among others.

She is the immediate former LSK chair, Mt Kenya Branch.

Adams Oloo

Professor Adams Oloo is a senior lecturer in the Department of Political Science at the University of Nairobi (UoN). He is also a member of Carnegie’s Civic Research Network.

The renowned political scientist has been a strategic member of ODM Leader Raila Odinga’s campaign machinery and a close confidant of the former premier for decades.

He also served on the National Dialogue Committee’s technical team and was part of the task force constituted by retired President Uhuru Kenyatta to craft the failed Building Bridges Initiative (BBI).

Nelson Makanda

Dr. Makanda is the General Secretary of the Evangelical Alliance of Kenya (EAK). He is the former Deputy General Secretary of the National Council of Churches in Kenya (NCCK). He is an ordained pastor and previously worked as an associate pastor at Nairobi Baptist Church.

He has vast experience in peace and conflict resolution, theology, healthcare enterprise, resource mobilization, and leadership. Nelson has a passionate commitment to community transformation through the church as well as to ethical governance and leadership for the public and common good.

Dr. Makanda holds a PhD (Biblical Studies) from Africa International University and is a contributing writer Seek Peace: Enhancing Peace building in Church and Community. Developed for Hope For Kenya Forum through ALARM and World Relief, 2009 and  Recovering the Beauty and Blessing of Ethnic Diversity, AIU & ALARM: 2010.

He has served previously on other boards and is a Founding Trustee, Africa Rural Trainers (ART-Trust), a Christian Trust for equipping rural pastors with leadership, pastoral, biblical skills and resource development for effective ministry.

He is married to Caroline Makanda and blessed with four children.

James Evans Misati

Misati is the current chair of the Political Parties Liaison Committee (PPLC).

Nicodemus Kipchirchir Bore

Bore is a member of PPLC and an executive director in the ruling party, United Democratic Alliance (UDA).

Tanui Andrew Kipkoech

Kipkoech is a seasoned legal counsel and the Managing Partner at law firm, Kipkoech Law LLP.

He holds a Bachelor of Laws degree from Kampala International University and a Diploma of Law from the Kenya School of Law (KSL).

While the grade may seem bleak to many, Kokwas shared that the party was in celebration of achieving the grade he once thought was impossible, noting that he had beaten over 400 students who had toiled hard in school.

“I’m ahead of four hundred and eighty something students who wasted their time going to school for 15 years, and I went there for only 30 days ahead of the exam. I have never gone to any school, even tuition,” opined Kokwas, evoking laughter from his guests.

The 64-year-old MCA also mentioned that he was celebrating achieving a higher grade than the E he expected.

He was very impressed with his performance, as despite having limited time to revise and sitting the exams as a private candidate, he managed to score four Es, two D-minuses, and one C-minus in Biology, which was his favorite subject.

“I never went for classes, and when time for exams came, I just asked my people to give me time so that I could go do the exams,” Kokwas said.

Kokwas was also wanted to convey his gratitude to the people of Kipkenyo who elected him despite his lack of academic qualifications. The celebration was his way of assuring them to have more confidence in his leadership as he is now educated.

“They should now know that I have KCPE and KCSE certificates, and I can now speak better English at the County Assembly and other forums,” Kokwas said.

He also shared that his daughter, who also sat for the exams, scored a C plain and thanked God for their respective performances.

As for his future plans, Kokwas disclosed plans to pursue a diploma in political science, and had already approached a local university to begin the process, noting that he would prefer online classes and go for the exams later.

“I have already approached the local college, and they told me to go with a copy of my results so that they can help me take up the course I want,” Kokwas said.

The seasoned politician disclosed that he collaborates with fashion designers from Geneva and Nigeria to create his unique wardrobe.

Throughout the interview, Atwoli showcased his fashion acumen by donning a striking blue and white striped two-piece suit, which garnered admiration from the audience.

“This fabric, most of them I get from Nigeria. This particular one was designed by my grandson who lives in the USA. He brought me several of them,” he said.

Atwoli highlighted his Nigerian tailor, Okoli, who crafts his garments with exceptional precision.

He also expressed his fondness for oversized linen shirts, which are tailored in Geneva and customized with his initials.

“My tailor in Nigeria is called Mr Okoli, he is the one who works on me for these kinds of shirts. The linen ones are tailored in a factory in Geneva and they have my initials on them,” he explained.

Atwoli maintains that his luxurious fashion sense is a direct reflection of his professional obligations, especially his regular travels to Geneva for official engagements.

“It’s not because I have money, it’s because I work there. I spend three months in Geneva. I am one of the top leaders authorised to address the top leaders,” he explained.

Atwoli’s affinity for gold accessories, such as rings, bracelets, cufflinks and necklaces, is widely recognized.

He is open about the substantial costs associated with his luxury possessions.

“Most people don’t know me. Sometimes they overvalue me and sometimes they undervalue me. Someone said this watch was worth $20,000.

“That is about Ksh 2 million. My watch is not worth that. This is Franck and Muller. My watch is pure gold and it cost me over Ksh 5 million. I paid for it in instalments,” she said.