By Anderson Ojwang
Siaya Governor James Orengo has described the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga as mystic and mysterious to them.
Orengo claimed the circumstances Raila died left a lot of questions than answers and expressed optimism that one day the truth shall come out.
“I want to say without fear of contradiction the death of Raila Amolo Odinga which is still a mystery to a lot of us. Those who bear the responsibility of the death of Raila Amolo Odinga are still out there.
They are silent but I hope one day we will know the circumstances Raila Amolo Odinga passed away.”
Orengo said at the burial of the late Jaramogi Oginga Odinga he told then President the late Daniel Moi that they were responsible for Jaramogi’s death.
“I told Moi that they killed Jaramogi Oginga Odinga. I also said that the spirit of Jaramogi will live on. I want to say that the spirit of Raila lives on.”
Recently Raila’s spouse, Mama Ida Odinga said she did not know when her husband wrote his will.
“I don’t know when Raila wrote his will to be buried within 72 hours. For us to beat that time, we are most grateful to President William Ruto.”
Recently Raila’s daughter Winnie Odinga has engaged in a bitter exchange with the self-declared son Oketch Salah over Raila’s health and death.
Winnie Odinga in a Citizen TV interview said he was a stranger and should either be taken to Mathari or the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) headquarters for interrogation.
“I have met Oketch Salah but I would like to believe nobody really knows him. I also feel sad for him. My father died and that was a traumatic experience for me.
At least he died with somebody he knew loved him. And people need to take care of their loved ones.
When you leave here and you take Thika Road, you have two options you either turn right as if you are going to Mathari or DCI because a flat lie that you were there at the time of my father’s death and you were not and talking about things that did not occur is quite dangerous and makes me question a lot of things. What would be those intentions?
He should be rushed to either Mathari or DCI with immediate effect.”
Oketch recently claimed on his social media platforms that he is Raila’s adopted son and that he was with him at his deathbed and when he first fell ill.
“I was with Baba Raila Odinga from the time he first fell ill until his final moments on earth. That is a fact. I do not say this for sympathy, relevance or political mileage; I say it because it is the truth.
I was with Baba throughout his pain. I know what it felt like. There were moments I genuinely thought I was losing him. Moments when it was only me and one security guard present, holding Baba, trying to steady him, trying to help him through the pain. This is not a story.
This is lived experience.
For the record, that security officer was not Maurice Ogetta.
During that period, Baba and I had extensive conversations personal, political and strategic, many of which he chose to have with me privately. Out of respect for him and his family, I will not disclose those discussions. Silence should never be mistaken for fear or falsehood.
I have never claimed to replace Baba’s family nor have I ever disrespected Mama Ida or his children. Any suggestion that I insulted, sidelined or spoke ill of them is false and malicious. I reject it completely.
I am not afraid of scrutiny. I am ready and willing to be interviewed publicly on these matters at any time, on any credible platform. Truth does not fear examination.
What I will not accept is being turned into a convenient villain so others can fight internal battles or rewrite lived history. I did not force myself into anyone’s life. I was present because Baba allowed me to be present consistently and knowingly.
So bwana wacheni, you do not understand. Hamuelewi. Wallahi.
Some things are not for noise, timelines or propaganda. Pain deserves dignity, not spectacle.
I know where I stood. I know what I did. And I know what Baba entrusted me with. Those facts do not change because of online mobs or political theatrics.
I stand firmly by this truth and will not be dragged into manufactured outrage or distractions.
I want to clear something up the security officer who was with me that night was not Maurice Ogetta. That incident happened late at night and Ogetta was already off duty. I was with another member of Baba’s security detail who is also his relative, Francis Ogolla.
That evening at Baba’s Karen residence, we had just finished watching the Manchester City vs Arsenal match. I was escorting Baba so he could go and rest. As we walked, I noticed something wasn’t right he suddenly became weak and was close to passing out.
I quickly moved to support him and he fell onto my chest. I called out to Francis to bring a chair and while he rushed for it, I held Baba carefully and helped him sit. In those few moments, with Baba leaning on me, I honestly thought things would take a different turn that night. It was a heavy moment confusing, frightening and painful to witness.
By God’s mercy, Baba regained consciousness shortly after.
I also want to say this clearly Maurice Ogetta served Baba faithfully for many years. We went through a lot together while caring for him. Ogetta was with Baba in India all the way to the very end. What he did for Baba is something only God can truly reward.
Thank you Maurice, your dedication will never be forgotten,”
