SIAYA, Kenya — Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga has offered clarity on the final months of his brother, the late former Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga, revealing that the statesman was battling a blood clot in his head.
Speaking to a local television station on Sunday, November 2, 2025, Senator Oburu explained that the condition was initially being managed by Kenyan doctors in Nairobi, but the strong medication administered had significantly impacted Mr. Odinga’s energy levels.
“It was some clot that was discovered on his head, and it was being dissolved by our doctors here in Nairobi,” Mr. Oburu said.
The Senator clarified that despite the seriousness of the diagnosis, the late leader’s condition was not initially considered critical.
“I just said that he is unwell, like all human beings become unwell at any other time. He was not in critical condition,” Mr. Oburu remarked.
He explained that the necessary medical regimen left Mr. Odinga feeling weak and fatigued, necessitating his withdrawal from public functions, including the funeral of the late MP Dalmas Otieno.
“I went to represent him there because he was feeling weak and tired because of that kind of medication,” Mr. Oburu explained.
Evacuation, treatment, and final days
Senator Oburu disclosed that following his evacuation to India, the clot was successfully cleared in Mumbai. “When he went to India, they managed to clear that clot that was there in Mumbai. So by the time he left the hospital there, he was up and about, alive and kicking.”
Following his discharge, Mr. Odinga travelled to Kerala for a period of recuperation. “He went to recuperate in Kerala. He was there for about a week after being discharged from the hospital,” the Senator said.
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Mr. Oburu also took the opportunity to acknowledge the vital role played by President William Ruto, highlighting the Head of State’s intervention in facilitating Mr. Odinga’s timely evacuation to India. He described the President’s involvement as crucial in ensuring his brother received the best possible care.
According to the Senator, Raila Odinga had been due to leave Kerala on Friday, just two days before his passing, after completing his recuperation period.
The revelation provides crucial context regarding Mr. Odinga’s reduced public engagements in recent months, underscoring the challenges he faced while undergoing medical treatment both in Kenya and abroad.
