Kanchory pushes for public inquest into Raila Odinga’s death
Former Azimio La Umoja chief agent Saitabao Ole Kanchory has called for a public inquest into the death of opposition leader Raila Odinga, saying the move is necessary to address rising doubts and questions surrounding his passing.
Kanchory, through X on Sunday, October 26, 2025, said the death of Baba, as Raila was fondly known, was sudden and unexpected, and only a transparent judicial process can clear lingering suspicions.
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Kanchory explained that a public inquest is a formal judicial investigation carried out to determine the cause of a sudden, unexplained, or suspicious death.
He said such a process would not only help rule out any possible foul play but also restore public confidence in the investigation.
“We need a public inquest to put to rest the questions and doubts emerging concerning the death of Baba Raila Odinga,” he said.
He added that the call for a public inquiry is not a political matter but rather a matter of national importance.
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“A public inquest is a judicial investigation into any sudden, unexpected or unexplained death to rule out (or establish) any foul play. Baba’s death calls for a public inquest in the public interest,” he said.
‘Kenyans deserve the truth‘
Kanchory said Raila’s death has left the country in shock, and many Kenyans are struggling to come to terms with what happened. He insisted that the only way to give Kenyans closure is through an open, lawful investigation.
He further noted that a public inquest would ensure that all facts are presented before the court and witnesses can testify openly. According to him, such transparency would prevent misinformation and help the country ‘heal’.
He called on the relevant authorities to act quickly and initiate the process in line with the law. His remarks come amid ongoing public debate and confusion about Raila Odinga’s death.
Raila Odinga died on October 15, 2025, at Devamatha Hospital in Koothattukulam, India, aged 80 years. He had been receiving treatment for health complications before his death. News of his passing spread quickly, prompting national mourning.
