Light moment as senator Oburu Oginga introduces his two wives during Raila’s state funeral

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October 17, 2025

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s elder brother, Dr. Oburu Oginga, lightened the mood during the leader’s State Funeral at Nyayo Stadium on Friday, October 17, 2025, with a humorous introduction of his two wives that drew laughter from thousands of mourners.

In a moment that provided brief comic relief during an otherwise somber occasion, Oburu introduced his wives with characteristic wit and candor.

“This is the lady who took me out of boyhood. She is a doctor, she is a pediatrician, and she is the one with whom we grew up together, but I thought that now at my age I don’t want her to scratch me, I don’t want her to massage me, so I brought her helper, Judith Oburu,” Oburu said.

He introduced Judith Oburu, noting that she works with the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) and is a professional accountant.

Beyond the humor, Oburu delivered a profoundly moving tribute to his younger brother, revealing intimate details of their childhood and the special bond they shared throughout their lives.

“Raila was more than a brother to me. He was my friend, he was my age mate, he was my advisor, and he was my confidant, and he was everything, including a business partnership. We grew up together more or less as twins because the difference between me and my brother is only one year and two months,” Oburu said.

In a poignant revelation, Oburu disclosed that Raila passed away on his birthday, October 15.

“Unfortunately my brother passed on on my birthday which is 15th October,” he said, adding an extra layer of personal loss to the tragedy.

Oburu painted a vivid picture of their childhood in Bondo, Sakwa, where they learned valuable life skills from their grandmother.

“When we were growing up together with my brother, we were in Bondo in Sakwa, though we were born in Maseno, but during that time, we were only three boys, and our mother was a disciplinarian more than our father. But my brother Raila knew how to cook. Our father’s mother told us that ‘you my boys, you are also my girls. You must learn to fetch firewood, you must learn to cook, you must learn to prepare everything, including washing clothes and ironing, and so on,” Oburu recalled.

In a significant political announcement, Oburu revealed that the ODM party has appointed him as acting party leader following Raila’s death.

“I want to thank my party, ODM, for making me the acting party leader of ODM, the oldest and the largest party in East and Central Africa. I will take that mantle with vigor and assure you, my colleagues, that I will not disappoint. Even though Raila’s shoes are too big,” he declared.

Bishop Kodia receives standing ovation as he delivers fiery sermon during Raila’s State Funeral service

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John Mutiso

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October 17, 2025

The Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) Bondo Diocese Bishop Revered David Hillington Kodia, on Friday, October 17, received a standing ovation from Kenyans during the State Funeral of Raila Odinga at Nyayo National Stadium.

In a powerful sermon, Reverend Kobia boldly called out leaders who are accused of looting public resources.

The Bondo ACK Bishop emphasized that any leader who misuses public resources should be condemned and held accountable.

“When we are proclaiming the word, we should not be fearful. Words proclaimed must have the power to transform. It must have the power to make us renewed in our strength for the liberation of our country from those who are looting everything from us. From the country level to everywhere.

“I want to make a testament with the people of Kenya. If there is anyone here at whatever level, be you a governor, or an MCA who has looted this country, you know you stand a chance of being condemned,” said Reverent Kodia.

The bishop referenced politicians who had stooped low by allowing Kenya to become a hub of corruption. He noted that such habits transformed the society into a ‘culture of handouts’ in exchange for service delivery.

“The question is how do we apply the power to proclaim what God has given us for the good of the nation, of humanity. Baba is one such politician who never used the power of money to intimidate people. Today, we have bad manners among our politicians. They have taught our people the culture of handouts that whatever you want, you must part with money and woe unto those who drive with big vehicles, you’re in big trouble,” the bishop noted.

“Baba never used the power of his wallet as a convincing tool to others, but he used the power of persuasion. He used the power of the word. Let’s allow ourselves to be used by God so that the power He gave us is the power that is correcting, reconciling and rebuking what is evil.”

“How many can fit in the shoes of Raila Odinga today? How many?”

His sermon resonated well with thousands of Kenyans who gave him a standing ovation for openly calling our corrupt leaders.

A section of elected leaders also applauded the Bondo ACK Diocese following the sermon.

Raila’s State Funeral attracted regional and national leaders who turned up to pay their final respects and honour his legacy.

Among those present were Ethiopian President Taye Atske Selassie, Somalia President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Tanzanian Vice President Philip Mpango, South Sudan Deputy President Rebbeca Nyandeng Garang and former Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete.

Others were: President William Ruto, Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Prime CS Musalia Mudavadi, Chief Justice Martha Koome, Kalonzo Musyoka, Martha Karua, and Fred Matiangi.

The former Prime Minister is set to be accorded military honors by the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF).

Raila passed away on Wednesday after suffering a cardiac arrest during a morning walk at an Ayurvedic treatment facility in India.

The body of the ODM leader will be moved to Kisumu on Saturday, October 19, where there will be a public viewing at Moi Stadium between 9 am and 3 pm.

Raila will be laid to rest on Sunday, October 19, at his Bondo home beside the graves of his late father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, and son, Fidel Odinga.

Winnie Odinga: My dad died in my arms, he died strong and with pride

By

John Mutiso

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October 17, 2025

In an emotional tribute at Nyayo National Stadium on Friday, Winnie Odinga revealed intimate details of her father’s final moments, disclosing that former Prime Minister Raila Odinga died in her arms after completing his morning walk.

Speaking during the State Funeral on Friday, October 17, 2025, Winnie dispelled rumors that had circulated on social media about the circumstances of her father’s death, painting instead a picture of a man who remained strong and dignified until his final breath.

“I was with him when he took his last breath. He died in my arms. But he did not die like people have been saying on social media. Every day he woke up and walked. He would do one round. Sometimes two rounds. That morning, he did five rounds,” Winnie revealed.

She emphasized that her father’s death was not marked by weakness or suffering, but rather by the same strength and determination that had defined his life.

“He died strong and with dignity and with pride. We all must walk with our heads held high, as he left as a gentleman,” she said.

On behalf of the Odinga family, Winnie expressed deep gratitude to Kenyans from all corners of the country who had turned out to mourn their beloved leader.

“As a family, we thank all of you from Turkana to Lamu, from Isiolo to the shores of Lake Victoria,” she said, acknowledging the nationwide outpouring of grief that had characterized the past two days. “The King is dead, but long live the crown.”

Winnie reflected on the many names and titles her father had accumulated throughout his storied political career, but emphasized that to her, he was simply her father.

“Dad, you were a light. Steady and deeply human. To the world, you were known by many names. When we were growing up, they used to call you ‘Aluo’. When you started work, they called you ‘Jaramogi’s son’. At some point, they started calling you ‘Tinga’. At another point, it was ‘Agwambo’. Briefly there they called you ‘Nyundo’. They called you ‘Jakom’. They called you ‘Baba Fidel’. But in the end, they called you ‘Baba’. To me, you were simply Dad,” she said.

The tribute captured the duality of Raila Odinga’s life, a towering political figure to the nation, but ultimately a father, husband, and family man to his loved ones.

Winnie’s tribute was delivered at Nyayo National Stadium, which was filled to capacity with mourners from across Kenya and distinguished guests from around the world.

The Odinga family, led by Mama Ida Odinga and Dr. Oburu Oginga, sat in the front rows alongside Raila’s children as they received condolences from the nation.

President William Ruto and First Lady Rachel Ruto attended the State Funeral, along with foreign dignitaries including Ethiopian President Taye Atsé Selassie, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, and former Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete.

Leaders from the united opposition, governors from across the country, Cabinet Secretaries, and members of the diplomatic corps were present, reflecting the broad reach of Raila’s political career.

Throughout the ceremony, civilians in the stadium sang “Baba usilale, bado Mapambano” (Father, don’t sleep; the struggle continues), capturing his determination to carry forward the values he championed.

Maccabi Tel Aviv fans not allowed to attend Europa League match at Aston Villa

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John Mutiso

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October 17, 2025

(Reuters) – No away supporters will be allowed to attend Aston Villa’s home Europa League clash with Israeli side Maccabi Tel Aviv on November 6 after police raised public safety concerns about potential protests, the Premier League club said on Thursday.

The move comes after there were protests at the Israel national team’s World Cup qualifiers against Norway and Italy, with police using tear gas on protesters and pro-Palestinian demonstrators in Oslo and Udine.

Villa said they were following instructions from the Safety Advisory Group (SAG), who are responsible for issuing safety certificates for games at Villa Park, based on a number of physical and safety factors.

PUBLIC SAFETY CONCERNS AT VILLA PARK

“Following a meeting this afternoon, the SAG have formally written to the club and UEFA to advise no away fans will be permitted to attend Villa Park for this fixture,” Villa said in a statement.

“West Midlands Police have advised the SAG that they have public safety concerns outside the stadium bowl and the ability to deal with any potential protests on the night.

“The club are in continuous dialogue with Maccabi Tel Aviv and the local authorities throughout this ongoing process, with the safety of supporters attending the match and the safety of local residents at the forefront of any decision.”

Reuters has contacted Maccabi Tel Aviv for comment.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the announcement.

“This is the wrong decision. We will not tolerate antisemitism on our streets,” Starmer said on X. “The role of the police is to ensure all football fans can enjoy the game, without fear of violence or intimidation.”

UEFA SAY ‘LOCAL AUTHORITIES REMAIN RESPONSIBLE’

UEFA said it wanted fans to be able to travel and support their team in a “safe, secure and welcoming environment”.

“(UEFA) encourages both teams and the competent authorities to agree on the implementation of appropriate measures necessary to allow this to happen,” UEFA said.

“In all cases, the competent local authorities remain responsible for decisions related to the safety and security of matches taking place on their territory, such decisions being determined on the basis of thorough risk assessments, which vary from match to match and take into consideration previous circumstances.”

Villa are third in the Europa League standings while Maccabi Tel Aviv are 30th after two rounds.

ISRAEL DECRY ‘SHAMEFUL DECISION’

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar described Villa’s announcement as a “shameful decision” on X.

“I call on the UK authorities to reverse this coward decision,” Saar wrote.

Global soccer body FIFA has faced repeated calls to act over the war in Gaza, with Palestinian officials pressing for Israel to be suspended from international football.

The issue has been under review by FIFA for months, but no decision has yet been taken, with FIFA president Gianni Infantino consistently saying such matters require consensus with the confederations and must be handled with caution.

Earlier this month, FIFA vice president Victor Montagliani said Israel’s continued participation in international football has to be dealt with first and foremost by UEFA.

UEFA appeared poised for an emergency vote on suspending Israel from European competition last month but reportedly held off on a proposed vote following the announcement of U.S. President Donald Trump’s plan to end the war in the region.

South Korea kicks off arms fair to showcase unmanned, AI weapons

By

John Mutiso

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October 17, 2025

(Reuters) – South Korea kicked off its largest-ever arms fair on Friday, with firms expected to show off new unmanned and artificial intelligence-enhanced weapons from howitzers to suicide drones, as Seoul seeks to strengthen its military and pursues more global defence sales.

Organisers said a record 600 companies from 35 countries were scheduled to participate in the Seoul International Aerospace & Defense Exhibition (ADEX) 2025.

This year’s ADEX kicked off with three days of public air shows at an air base, including flights by its newly developed KF-21 fighter jet. The festivities will be followed next week by business exhibitions at a sprawling conference centre.

Earlier this month, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung said that the country’s defence budget for next year would rise 8.2% to 66.3 trillion won ($47.1 billion) as it faces more tensions around the region and a nuclear-armed North Korea.

Foreign dignitaries were invited to Pyongyang earlier in October to tour North Korea’s arms exhibition, which included drones and nuclear-capable ballistic missiles, followed by a grand military parade.

Arms have become one of South Korea’s fastest-growing exports, as it has inked multibillion-dollar deals selling everything from howitzers and ammunition to missiles and warships around the world.

At this year’s ADEX, Hanwha Aerospace said it would unveil next-generation versions of its popular self-propelled K9 howitzer that use automation and AI to reduce or eliminate the need for a crew.

In addition, the company said it would showcase its L-PGW, a missile-launched loitering munition – also known as suicide drone – which can circle an area before using AI to identify and destroy a target.

Unmanned weapons and AI will provide more capabilities and help South Korea maintain its defences, despite a shrinking population that will reduce the number of available soldiers, Hanwha said in a statement.

Seok Jong-gun, the minister for the Defense Acquisition Program Administration, told parliament on Friday that its focus included developing and modernizing manned and unmanned weapons systems, while expanding its defence export markets in cooperation with the U.S., Canada, Saudi Arabia and others.

“We will pursue entry into the global supply chain by expanding cooperation with the U.S. in defence shipbuilding,” he said.

South Korea’s shipbuilding cooperation with the U.S. has become a flashpoint with China, which unveiled sanctions on Hanwha Ocean’s U.S.-linked affiliates earlier this week.

Vienna Insurance Group offers to buy Germany’s Nuernberger for $1.61 billion

By

John Mutiso

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October 17, 2025

(Reuters) – Vienna Insurance Group (VIGR.VI), opens new tab will acquire all shares of German insurer Nuernberger Beteiligungs AG (NLVGn.DE), opens new tab for 1.38 billion euros ($1.61 billion) in cash, it said late on Thursday.

VIG will offer Nuernberger shareholders 120 euros per share, the insurer said in a statement, implying a premium of about 15% to the German firm’s last close of 104.5 euros, according to Reuters calculations.

Nuernberger has come under activist pressure from investor 7Square to entertain rival offers, apart from VIG’s, but on Friday, 7Square changed its stance.

“The transaction proposal by VIG is a good outcome for Nuernberger shareholders,” it said in a statement.

In August, 7Square had said that Nuernberger could be worth as much as 1.6 billion euros, after VIG said it was in exclusive due diligence for a potential takeover of Nuernberger, without specifying a possible price.

Shares of Nuernberger have nearly doubled since VIG said it was considering an acquisition.

Nuernberger’s life insurance, property and casualty insurance divisions have underperformed for years.

“With our multi-brand strategy, we offer ideal conditions for securing the location and maintaining the identity of the strong Nuernberger brand,” said Hartwig Löger, chairman of the VIG managing board.

Major shareholders of Nuernberger holding 64.4% control, including Munich Re (MUVGn.DE), opens new tab and Swiss Re (SRHE.DE), opens new tab, have agreed to sell their shares, while members of its management board confirmed they will tender all shares they hold, VIG said on Thursday.

($1 = 0.8552 euros)

Gold tops $4,300, set for biggest weekly surge since 2008

By

John Mutiso

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October 17, 2025

(Reuters) – Gold surged past $4,300 an ounce on Friday, headed for its biggest weekly gain since December 2008, as geopolitical and economic uncertainty along with growing U.S. rate cut bets drove investors to the safe-haven metal.

Spot gold rose 0.2% to $4,335.87 per ounce, as of 0929 GMT, after scaling another record high of $4,378.69 earlier. U.S. gold futures for December delivery jumped 1% to $4,348.90.

Gold is set for a gain of about 8.1% so far this week. Earlier in the session, gold had temporarily been on track for its biggest gain since September 2008 when the collapse of Lehman Brothers fuelled the global financial crisis.

“With rate-cut expectations, geopolitical risks, and lingering banking concerns all in play, the environment remains highly supportive for gold,” said Alexander Zumpfe, a precious metals trader at Heraeus Metals Germany.

“Short-term consolidation is possible given the overbought conditions.”

On a technical basis, gold’s Relative Strength Index (RSI) stands at 88, indicating the metal is overbought.

Spot silver fell 0.5% to $53.96 per ounce, after hitting a record high of $54.47, tracking the rally in gold and a short squeeze in the spot market. The metal is set for a 7.3% weekly gain.

Tumbling bank shares pulled global stocks lower on Friday, while gold hit a fresh peak, as signs of credit stress at U.S. regional lenders unnerved investors and drove them into safe-haven assets.

U.S. Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller voiced support for another rate cut. Investors are expecting a 25-basis-point reduction at the Fed’s October 29-30 meeting and another reduction in December.

Meanwhile, China levelled fresh accusations against the U.S. of causing panic over its rare earth controls, while rejecting calls to reverse export curbs.

Gold, a traditional hedge against uncertainty and inflation that thrives in low-rate environments, has surged over 66% this year, driven by geopolitical tensions, rate cut bets, central bank buying, de-dollarisation and robust exchange-traded-fund inflows.

“I believe resilient and huge ETF flows are pulling prices up,” said Michael Haigh, global head of commodities research at Societe Generale.

SPDR Gold Trust , the world’s largest gold-backed exchange-traded fund, said its holdings rose to 1,034.62 tonnes on Thursday, its highest level since July 2022.

Platinum fell 3.3% to $1,656.90 and palladium lost 2.9% to $1,566.30.

UK police commissioner calls for review of ban on Israeli soccer fans

By

John Mutiso

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October 17, 2025

(Reuters) – A British regional police commissioner has asked for an immediate review of a decision to ban Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from attending a soccer match against Aston villa at their ground in Birmingham in November, he said in a statement on Friday.

British Prime Keir Starmer has called the ban “the wrong decision”. It was brought in by a safety group following advice from the West Midlands police force.

The commissioner for the area, Simon Foster, is an elected official, who oversees the work of the police force in the region. He does not have operational control of decisions such as whether to allow fans to attend.

China willing to restart dialogue with Canada at all levels, foreign minister says

By

John Mutiso

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October 17, 2025

(Reuters) – China is willing to work with Canada to restart dialogue and exchanges at all levels and to promote the resolution of each nation’s legitimate concerns, Foreign Minister Wang Yi told his Canadian counterpart in Beijing on Friday, his ministry said.

Beijing hopes to enhance communication, eliminate interference and rebuild mutual trust with the Canadian side, Wang told Anita Anand, according to the official Chinese readout of their meeting.

The two countries should jointly defend multilateralism and the international trade order, Wang added.

European defence stocks stumble on Trump-Putin summit news

By

John Mutiso

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October 17, 2025

(Reuters) – European defence stocks fell sharply on Friday as news of a planned summit on the war in Ukraine jolted the sector after its strong run this year.

U.S. President Donald Trump and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin spoke on Thursday, in a two hour conversation Trump called productive. They agreed another summit on the war in Ukraine, and the two might meet within the next two weeks in Budapest.

An index of aerospace and defence companies (.SXPARO), opens new tab was down around 3.4% at 0852 GMT, hitting its lowest in more than a month and on track for its biggest daily decline since early July.

The defence index has risen more than 200% since Russia launched its war against Ukraine in February 2022.

“Once again, hopes of an imminent end to the Ukraine war through diplomacy are growing in the run-up to the planned meeting between Trump and Putin in Budapest,” Stephan Maichl from Landesbank Baden-Wuerttemberg said.

Maichl added that investors were positioning themselves on the safe side but that those moves could reverse if there is no concrete result, as it was the case after the first summit in Alaska.

Defence stocks have helped to push the STOXX 600 (.STOXX), opens new tab 13% higher this year, hitting successive record highs on the back of the prospect of a swell of government spending on regional security.

But the picture on Friday was different: Germany’s Rheinmetall (RHMG.DE), opens new tab, Hensoldt (HAGG.DE), opens new tab, Renk (R3NK.DE), opens new tab were all down around 6%.

Italy’s Leonardo (LDOF.MI), opens new tab, Sweden’s Saab (SAABb.ST), opens new tab fell between around 4% and 5%, while Europe’s biggest defence company by market capitalisation BAE Systems (BAES.L), opens new tab was down 3.4%.