Oburu Oginga explains cause of marks on Raila’s face
Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga has shared touching details about the marks that were visible on the late Raila Odinga’s face, revealing that they were from incidents that happened both in his childhood and later in life.
Speaking during the burial ceremony in Bondo on Sunday, October 19, 2025, Oburu said one of the marks on Raila’s mouth was from their younger days in Kisumu, while the one on his head came from playing.
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He described his brother as a brave man who never allowed pain or hardship to stop him from fighting for justice.
“If you people see, he has a mark on his head. There is another mark here on his mouth. The one on his mouth was from Kisumu when we were playing at a place in Ofafa Hall. We were playing and jumping over mango trees, and Raila fell down, and I had to carry him on my back,” Oburu said.
He added that despite such childhood injuries, Raila grew up to be fearless and determined, qualities that defined his political journey and his long fight for democracy in Kenya.
Brave in his darkest days
Oburu also described him as a man who remained courageous and calm even in moments of pain and adversity.
“He was a very brave man,” Oburu noted, adding that Raila’s strength was unmatched both in his personal life and political struggles.
Also watch: Nation mourns as Raila’s final journey reaches Bondo
He recalled the difficult days when Raila was detained and charged with treason, saying it was one of the lowest moments for the Odinga family.
“When my brother was arrested and charged with treason, I tell you that was another sad moment for us. I visited him in prison; I was crying, and he was laughing, telling me this is nothing, these things will go away,” Oburu narrated.
He said that while he was deeply shaken by his brother’s imprisonment, Raila remained calm and hopeful, always believing that Kenya would one day enjoy true democracy and justice.
Oburu described Raila as a man who faced every battle head-on, no matter the risk, and one who carried the hopes of many Kenyans throughout his political life. “Raila would face it head-on,” Oburu said, concluding that his brother’s courage should be remembered as part of the lasting legacy he leaves behind.
