Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s younger sister, Ruth Odinga, has expressed deep sorrow over what she termed as hypocrisy among some young Kenyans, saying her late brother died feeling unloved by the very generation now mourning him.
Speaking in Bondo on Saturday, Ruth said Raila had sensed growing hostility from sections of the youth, especially on social media, and passed away believing that many Gen Zs wished him dead.
“The Gen Zs are the same people talking about the outpouring love when he is dead. How about when he was not dead and you wanted him to die?” Ruth said emotionally.
She added that the massive love, unity, and admiration now being shown across the country came too late for her brother to witness.
“He died only knowing the Gen Zs prefer him dead. It is only us who are seeing the outpouring love, but how about Baba? He would have loved you people to have more love. When the machine was switched off, I knew Kenya has lost,” she said tearfully.
Ruth, who was among the family members who accompanied Raila to India for treatment, described his death as a great loss not only to the family but to the entire nation.
Her remarks come as Kenyans continue to mourn the veteran opposition leader, whose death has drawn tributes from world leaders, political figures, and ordinary citizens.
On Friday, thousands of mourners attended Raila’s national memorial service at Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi. On Saturday, public viewing was held at Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium in Mamboleo, Kisumu.
Raila’s body is expected to be airlifted to his rural home in Bondo, Siaya County, for an overnight vigil ahead of his burial on Sunday.
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