Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga speaks during the State Funeral Service of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga on October 19, 2025./MAURICE ALAL
Senator Oburu Odinga has revealed the story behind the distinctive marks on the face of his late brother, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Speaking during the funeral service at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology in Bondo on Sunday, Oburu said Raila sustained the mark on his forehead while they were in Germany, and the one on his mouth after falling from a mango tree during childhood play in Kisumu.
“Raila fell from a mango tree while we were playing. I had to carry him on my back. People were laughing at us as I cried after he got injured,” Oburu recalled, drawing laughter from mourners.
He described Raila as a courageous and firm man who even challenged their father, the late Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, during childhood.
“He once told our father to come with us to the farm to pick cotton since it was such a difficult task,” he said.
Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga speaks during the State Funeral Service of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga on October 19, 2025./MAURICE ALAL
Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga ushers in Raila's wife, Ida Odinga during the State Funeral Service of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga on October 19, 2025./MAURICE ALAL
“Mama Ida was very young when Raila was detained at 37. She remained committed to him. Some of you wouldn’t have sustained that—you’re too hot,” he joked, prompting laughter.
He also expressed gratitude to President William Ruto for facilitating Raila’s treatment in India and supporting the family through his final journey.
“It is the President who organized how Raila was flown to India. He has really supported us to give him a befitting state burial,” Oburu said.
