By Anderson Ojwang
The death of Raila Odinga has opened to the public the secret coded number 5 and the months of January and October patterns that have determined and influenced the late Jaramogi Odinga lineage.
For the Odingas, the number 5 has remained a constant in the Odinga family, while important events such as births and deaths mostly occur either in January or October.
Siaya Senator and Odinga’s eldest son, Dr Oburu Oginga, opened the lid when he said Raila died on his birthday.
Oburu was born on 15th October 1943, while Raila died on 15th October 2025.
But for Raila, he captures all the important numbers and months, as he was born in January 1945.
The late Jaramogi Oginga Odinga was born in October 1911 and died on 20th January 1994.
Raila’s mother, Mary Oginga, died on 5th November 1984.
Raila’s eldest son, the late Fidel Odinga, died on 4th January 2015.
The coincidence of number 5 and the two months, January and October, shows the pattern continues to determine the lineage.
Or number five could be the family’s golden or lucky number and the determinant in the lineage.
When Oburu spoke during the prayer service for Raila at Nyayo International Stadium, he said how he had wished to celebrate his birthday, which turned into a sorrowful day.
He has religiously celebrated his birthday with his family, including Raila, whose presence has been significant to him.
But this year, Oburu knew Raila would not attend the birthday party because he was in India undergoing treatment.
Oburu had earlier told a gathering in Siaya County that Raila had gone for a medical check-up in India and would soon return to the country.
“Raila was feeling unwell, but I can tell you he is improving. It was not a serious matter, and we expect him to return home soon,” he said.
But it never occurred to Oburu that that would be the last time and day he would see and speak to his younger brother.
But as fate would have it, on his birthday gloom descended upon the Odinga family. It was never to be a birthday celebration but a death-day sorrow.
“I had prepared to celebrate my birthday, but I found myself mourning my brother. It was a sad and dark day for me,” he said.
Oburu said he had a heavy heart to say farewell to his brother, whom he described as his protector and defender.
“Raila was more than a brother to me; he was my friend, business partner, agemate, and advisor. He was everything to me. We grew up together as twins.
When we grew together in Bondo Sakwa, we were three boys. Our mother was a disciplinarian. Raila knew how to cook, but I didn’t. Raila was best in class while I was average. Raila was always in position one in class.”
