Speaking during a tribute in Bondo, Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo revealed that Raila was fully aware of the false reports circulating on social media earlier this month.
Many Kenyans had started speculating about his health after he disappeared from the public eye, forcing his family to speak out.
At the time, Ida Odinga, his wife, confirmed that Raila was in India for medical treatment. His elder brother, Dr. Oburu Odinga, also told supporters that the ODM leader was stable and recovering.
At the time, Ida Odinga, his wife, confirmed that Raila was in India for medical treatment. His elder brother, Dr. Oburu Odinga, also told supporters that the ODM leader was stable and recovering.
Despite these clarifications, false stories continued to spread online — some even claiming that Raila had already been buried.
Millie said that when she spoke to Raila about the hoax, he laughed it off, joking that he had seen his own “burial” online.
“Baba told me, ‘I hear some people have already killed me in Kenya and even buried me!’” Millie recalled, drawing laughter from mourners.
According to her, Raila’s reaction reflected his wisdom and resilience. Instead of being angry, he used the incident to remind ODM members about unity and forgiveness.
“Baba told me that we must remain united as a party. For those who spread the rumours, we forgive you, but we will never forget,” Millie added emotionally.
The legislator said the ODM family had faced difficult moments during Raila’s illness, especially after misleading posts caused unnecessary panic among supporters.
Millie said that when she spoke to Raila about the hoax, he laughed it off, joking that he had seen his own “burial” online.
“Baba told me, ‘I hear some people have already killed me in Kenya and even buried me!’” Millie recalled, drawing laughter from mourners.
According to her, Raila’s reaction reflected his wisdom and resilience. Instead of being angry, he used the incident to remind ODM members about unity and forgiveness.
“Baba told me that we must remain united as a party. For those who spread the rumours, we forgive you, but we will never forget,” Millie added emotionally.
The legislator said the ODM family had faced difficult moments during Raila’s illness, especially after misleading posts caused unnecessary panic among supporters.
Still, she praised the Odinga family for handling the situation with maturity and transparency.
Raila’s passing later confirmed what many had feared. He reportedly suffered a cardiac arrest in India while taking a walk near the hospital.
Raila’s passing later confirmed what many had feared. He reportedly suffered a cardiac arrest in India while taking a walk near the hospital.
His death triggered a wave of grief across Kenya and beyond, with tributes pouring in from leaders, musicians, and ordinary citizens.
President William Ruto declared a seven-day national mourning period, ordering flags to fly at half-mast as a mark of respect for the man many called “Baba.”
Raila’s final journey has united Kenyans across political lines — a reflection of his lifelong message of peace and togetherness, even in the face of falsehoods.
President William Ruto declared a seven-day national mourning period, ordering flags to fly at half-mast as a mark of respect for the man many called “Baba.”
Raila’s final journey has united Kenyans across political lines — a reflection of his lifelong message of peace and togetherness, even in the face of falsehoods.
