Junet: Why I didn't travel to India to bring Raila’s body

Suna East MP Junet Mohamed has addressed public questions about his absence from the delegation that travelled to India to accompany the body of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga back to Kenya.

Junet said he was undergoing treatment and was medically unfit to travel.

He added that Raila’s death occurred while he was still recovering.

The legislator reflected on his long political association with the ODM leader, describing him as a mentor and a key figure in his political career.

“My records are there. I was unwell. The day I was discharged from the hospital on Thursday is the day we met Raila at Serena Hotel,” he said, adding that although he was scheduled to join the delegation, a medical procedure prevented him from travelling.

“On Friday, is when he travelled in the evening and then he passed on the 15th. I was on the team that was supposed to go, but I had a procedure. There are records,” he said during an interview on Citizen TV on Wednesday.

Junet described Raila as a hands-on leader who shaped decision-making within the opposition coalition.

“I was with Raila everywhere. I spent all my political life with him. I got associated with him when I was 24 years old. He made me mayor and then I became an MP for three terms,” he said.

“Raila was a good leader, he led us very well. I miss that. He was available, he would guide you on a daily basis, he was consultative and we could discuss with him anything political and personal.”

The delegation to India was led by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and included Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, Senate Minority Leader Stewart Madzayo, Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi, and Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung’wah, among others.

Representing the family was Raila’s youngest daughter, EALA MP Winnie Odinga.

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga died in India on October 15, 2025, while receiving medical treatment.

His death triggered a national mourning period and funeral arrangements that reflected his role in Kenya’s political landscape.

The government declared a state funeral with full honours, including a seven-day mourning period and flags flying at half-mast.

Preparations included the repatriation of his body to Kenya, with plans for public viewing and final funeral events in the days following his death.

Raila was buried on October 19, 2025, at his ancestral home in Kang’o Ka Jaramogi, Bondo, Siaya County, in accordance with his wishes.

The burial took place within 72 hours of his passing, consistent with directives outlined in his will.

The ceremony was attended by family, dignitaries, military personnel, and national leaders, and was conducted with state honours.