"You remain alive in my heart": Oburu honors Raila on 81st birthday

                     ODM Party Leader Oburu Odinga and his brother Raila Odinga / HANDOUT

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s brother Oburu has paid a heartfelt tribute to his sibling as he turns 81 years posthumously.

In an emotional message, Oburu described the deep bond he shared with Raila, recalling their shared childhood, laughter, and lifelong conversations.

Born on January 7, 1945, in Maseno, Raila was the son of the late Jaramogi Oginga Odinga and Mary Juma Odinga.

“My dear brother Raila, it has been incredibly difficult coming to terms with your loss. We grew up as twins, sharing so much of life, laughter, and understanding. Today, it feels unreal to speak of you in the past tense, to call you the late Raila,” Oburu said.

“I fondly remember your immense contribution to our great country as a foremost statesman, as well as the deep conversations and bond we shared. You were more than a sibling; you were my best friend. I miss you dearly, yet in my heart, you remain alive. Happy 80 + 1 heavenly birthday.”

Messages of remembrance flooded social media, while a commemorative gathering was expected to be held in Mombasa in his honour.

The Odinga family honoured his life and expressed gratitude to Kenyans for the solidarity shown to them during his funeral and the period of national mourning.

In a memorial message, the family said the overwhelming support from Kenyans at home and abroad helped them endure a moment of profound grief and turned Raila’s final journey into a dignified celebration of his life and legacy.

“As we remember Baba on his birthday, we would like to sincerely thank the people of Kenya for standing with us during this profoundly painful time,” the family said.

They thanked President William Ruto, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, Chief Justice Martha Koome and the entire government for facilitating what they described as a respectful and well-coordinated send-off.

Politicians from across the political divide hailed Raila’s resilience, patriotism and commitment to constitutionalism, noting that he dedicated much of his life to the fight for multiparty democracy, social justice and inclusive governance.

Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka joined Kenyans in honouring the late Raila, paying a brief but poignant tribute on his posthumous 81st birthday.

“We remember. We appreciate. We honour Baba,” Kalonzo said.

The Wiper leader described Raila as a towering national figure whose contribution to Kenya’s democracy and reform journey will endure for generations.

Raila played a central role in the country’s political history for more than four decades.

He served as prime minister between 2008 and 2013 and was a key figure in the push for constitutional reforms that culminated in the promulgation of the 2010 Constitution.