ODM Youth League leader Kasmuel McOure has opened up about the generosity and personal kindness of the late Raila Odinga, revealing how the veteran politician frequently supported him financially and looked out for him as a friend.
Speaking during an interview with the Iko Nini Podcast on Friday, October 24, 2025, McOure described being consistently lavished with money by Raila, saying he never had to ask for it, as the support was always given freely.
“People were always surprised when they saw me travelling by chopper with Raila. He was always looking out for me and used to spoil me so much. When he died, I felt deeply saddened because I had lost a friend.”
He revealed that Ksh100,000 was the least amount Raila ever gave him and recalled receiving significant funds during a trip to the United States, amounting to around USD8,000 [approximately Ksh1,032,800], on top of official support provided by the US government.
“To be clear, 100,000 shillings was the least amount of money Raila ever gave me, and I never had to ask him for it,” Kasmuel added.
He emphasised that he could not reveal the exact total of money given to him, citing concerns that people would start speaking excessively.
Beyond the financial support, McOure described feeling a profound loss at Raila’s passing, noting that he had lost not only a benefactor but a close friend.
“He would just give it anytime I travelled abroad. For example, when I went to the United States, I received a significant amount from him personally, in addition to the money provided by the US government. To be honest, I cannot reveal the exact total of money he gave me because people would start talking excessively, but for that trip, it was around 8,000 US dollars,” Kasmuel said.
Raila was laid to rest on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at Kang’o Ka Jaramogi in Bondo, Siaya County.
The private ceremony, attended by national leaders, family members, and a small circle of close allies, marked the final chapter of a historic life.
According to cultural customs observed during the ceremony, Raila was buried with two of his most iconic items, his trademark hat, known as ‘Ogudu’ in Luo, and a ceremonial whisk, referred to as ‘Orengo’.
During the final rites, the Kenyan military also presented the national flag to Mama Ida in recognition of Raila’s lifetime of service and sacrifice for the nation.
Raila Odinga died on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at the age of 80 while receiving treatment at the Sreedhareeyam Ayurvedic Eye Hospital and Research Centre in Koothattukulam, Kerala, after suffering sudden cardiac failure during his morning walk.
He was rushed to Devamatha Hospital, where doctors confirmed his death at 9:52 a.m., despite prolonged attempts to resuscitate him.
