Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga has spoken about the treatment her late brother, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, received from some members of the younger generation before his death.
Speaking on Saturday, October 18, Ruth reflected on the wave of love and admiration now being shown toward the former Prime Minister, lamenting that much of it came too late.
“Raila died knowing that Gen Zs preferred him dead. Gen Zs are now pouring their love for him when he is dead. He would have loved you people to have more love.
“For those who said those things when he was still alive, it was really wrong. For those who have shown love right now, you didn’t know, the reality would be this. The loss is for Kenya,” she said.
Notably, a poll by research firm Infotrak in October 2024 revealed that GenZ were the top-ranked heroes at 23 per cent followed by Raila at 18 per cent.
“The survey highlighted Generation Z’s significant impact on Kenya, with 23% of respondents viewing them as emerging national heroes due to their contributions to environmental activism, social justice, and technological solutions,” read the report in part.
“Hon. Raila Odinga was the most frequently mentioned hero, with 18% of respondents nationwide recognizing him. His influence was especially pronounced in Nyanza (30%), his political stronghold, but he also had significant support in regions like Western (23%) and Coast (22%). His long-standing role in Kenyan politics and his continued push for reforms and democracy resonated with many.”
Elsewhere, during Raila’s state funeral on Friday, October 17, Winnie Odinga revealed intimate details of her father’s final moments, disclosing that the former Prime Minister died in her arms after completing his morning walk.
She 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,” she revealed.
Winnie 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.”
