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Thank you for saving my life: Kasmuel McOure shares emotional tribute to Raila
15th October, 2025 10:27 PM
As Kenya mourns the passing of former Prime Minister and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Odinga, tributes continue to flood in from leaders, artists, and ordinary citizens.
Kasmuel McOure, who joined the ODM youth league after the 2024 Gen Z-led anti-finance bill protests, has shared a deeply personal tribute.
In the tribute shared via his official X account on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, night, Kasmuel says he will deeply miss Raila, whom he has described as his friend.
Elsewhere, Kisumu residents poured into the streets of the lakeside city to mourn their political king and hero.
He further thanked the veteran politician for what he has termed as saving his life in 2024.
“To the eternal gentleman — Baba. I’ll miss you deeply, my friend. Thank you for saving my life last year,” Kasmuel wrote.
He went ahead to thank Raila for transforming his life.
“Thank you for making me the man I am today. Fare thee well, my forever hero,” Kasmuel stated.
Kasmuel has also shared a screenshot of his WhatsApp conversation with Raila, in which he had enquired on whether he should accept invitations for a meeting from certain organizations.
In the conversation, Raila urged Kasmuel to attend both meetings, noting that they provided an opportunity for him to share ODM’s experience with others.
Also watch: Ichung’wah fights back tears, paying tribute to late Raila Odinga.
Raila’s funeral programme
Raila will be laid to rest this Sunday, October 19, 2025, at his Opoda home in Bondo, Siaya County.
Speaking during a press briefing in Nairobi on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki announced the official programme for the late Prime Minister’s final journey, revealing that the family has requested his burial to take place within 72 hours of his passing, a wish Raila had personally expressed.
“The family informed President Ruto that according to Raila Odinga’s will, he insisted that he must be buried within the shortest time possible, ideally within 72 hours,” Kindiki said, adding that his wishes must be respected.
According to the schedule, a Kenyan delegation is expected to arrive in Mumbai, India, at 1:00 a.m. on Thursday, before departing at 2:00 a.m. with the remains of the former Prime Minister.
The body will arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport at 8:30 a.m., where it will be received with full state honours.
From JKIA, the body will be taken to Lee Funeral Home, before a solemn procession to State House at midday, and later to Parliament Buildings at 2:00 p.m., where Kenyans will be allowed to pay their final respects.
On Friday, October 17, 2025, a national prayer service will be held at Nyayo Stadium, after which the procession will head to Kisumu and Bondo. Saturday, October 26, 2025, will see a public viewing at Moi Stadium in Kisumu before the journey continues to his rural home in Bondo for Sunday’s burial.
