Raila Odinga’s younger sister, Ruth Odinga, has revealed that the late former Prime Minister died aware that many members of Gen Z had turned against him. Speaking emotionally at Opoda Farm in Bondo, Ruth said that while Gen Zs are now showing deep sorrow and respect, her brother never felt that love when he was alive.
Ruth’s remarks painted a picture of pain, reflection, and irony—how a man who fought for the youth’s freedoms was misunderstood and criticized by the very generation he helped empower. She said Raila’s death has now united even those who once wished him gone.
Ruth Odinga Says Raila Died Knowing Gen Zs Wished Him Dead
During her press briefing, Ruth Odinga expressed sorrow over how some young Kenyans viewed Raila in his final years. She said the outpouring of grief seen today would have meant more if it had come earlier when he was still alive to feel it.
“You’re the same people, especially you as a Gen Z who’s telling me the outpouring of love when he’s dead,” Ruth said. “How about when he was alive, and you were saying akufe? He died knowing that you people preferred him dead.”
She added that Raila had always believed in the youth, seeing them as the torchbearers of Kenya’s democracy. Yet, in his later years, some of them turned against him during heated political debates online.
“For those who said those things when he was still alive, it was really wrong. But for those who have shown their love right now, hamkujua the reality would be this. The loss is for Kenya,” she stated.
Her emotional account brought tears to many mourners at Opoda, especially when she described her final moments with her brother. “When I laid him down and stopped the machines, I said Kenya has lost. Kenya is lost. I don’t know where it’s going without Raila.”
Gen Zs and Raila’s Complicated Relationship
Raila’s relationship with Gen Zs grew tense after the 2024 anti-Finance Bill protests. Many young people claimed they had taken over the role of opposition and urged Raila to step aside. They accused him of being too close to the government after several of his allies were appointed to key state positions.
During that period, social media platforms were flooded with mixed opinions—some praised Raila for his lifelong struggle for democracy, while others said his time in politics was over.
Despite the criticism, Raila remained calm and firm. In a December 2024 interview, he dismissed claims that he benefited from the Gen Z protests. “I am not a beneficiary of the Gen Z protest. That is a useless allegation made in the media. I have not benefited,” he said.
He added that President William Ruto had only reached out to involve more Kenyans in governance, including members of his own party. Raila insisted he was not seeking political favors but working to ensure stability and inclusion in the country.
Now, in death, the same generation that once criticized him is among the loudest voices celebrating his life and legacy. Ruth believes that Raila’s heart would have been full if he could witness the unity and admiration being shown today.
Legacy of the Odinga Family Lives On
Beyond the pain, Ruth also spoke about how Raila’s vision continues through the Odinga family legacy. She recalled how he once proposed turning their family home into a museum—a decision she initially opposed but now appreciates.
“I remember when he said he was making our home into a museum, and I was the first to protest because I am the last born and didn’t know where I’d go,” she said. “But now schools visit, there’s a lot of heritage, and it’s more monumental that Raila is buried there. The Odinga family legacy will live forever in people’s minds.”
She also wished Raila’s body could have been transported by road from Kisumu to Bondo, recalling how they walked with their father Jaramogi Oginga Odinga’s body from Nairobi to Kisumu. To her, that journey symbolized the deep bond between the Odingas and the people of Kenya—a bond she says will never fade.
Ruth’s words reminded Kenyans that beyond politics and generational divides, Raila Amollo Odinga’s story is one of sacrifice, resilience, and unwavering love for his country.
