Royal Media Services (RMS) Group Editorial Director Linus Kaikai has revealed details of his final phone conversation with the late ODM leader Raila Odinga just days before his passing.
Speaking on Wednesday, October 15, Kaikai disclosed that he had spoken with Raila on Sunday, October 13, describing the former Prime Minister as being in high spirits during their seven-minute exchange.
"Let me just say that this past Sunday, at 6:32 p.m., I spoke with Raila Odinga for seven minutes. I called to ask how he was doing, and I heard someone who was cheerful and completely normal, he even started asking me about matters of the country," he said.
Kaikai went on to express the magnitude of the loss, describing the day as one of immense grief for the nation.
"It is a day of great sorrow, as we can see from the videos being aired. It is a very heavy day because when you look at the life of Raila Odinga, I don’t think there has been any political leader with as much influence as Raila. It is a sad death," he added.
Read More
Raila passed away on Wednesday morning at the age of 80.
He reportedly suffered a cardiac arrest during a morning walk at an Ayurvedic treatment facility in Kerala’s Ernakulam district, India.
Raila was rushed to a private hospital in Koothattukulam, where doctors pronounced him dead at 7:22 a.m.
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta mourned Raila as a towering statesman and a personal friend, reflecting on their shared history, marked by rivalry, reconciliation, and unity of purpose.
He said the news of Raila’s passing had left a deep void in the country and in his own heart.
"My heart is heavy, and my spirit is burdened with a grief that is both profound and deeply personal. The news of Raila’s passing has left a silence that echoes across our nation, a silence where once there was a voice of thunder and conviction," he said.
Uhuru went on to describe Raila as a major influence in his personal and political life, acknowledging their complicated yet meaningful relationship over the years.
"To me, Raila was more than a political colleague; he was a defining part of my own journey, in public service and in life. Raila and I were navigators on opposing currents, charting different courses for the nation we both loved.
"At some point along that journey, we became political opponents and often, the weight of that competition felt immense," he added.
On the other hand, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua mourned Raila as a towering figure in Kenya’s political and democratic journey.
He expressed his sympathy to Raila’s family, recalling the contribution the late leader made to the country’s political landscape.
Gachagua hailed Raila as a giant of democracy and a hero whose legacy will remain etched in Africa’s political history.
"Baba Raila Odinga, may you rest well. To the family, your spouse Mama Ida Odinga and your children, my family and I join you in prayer during this difficult moment. My deepest sympathies to you and to the people of the Republic of Kenya.
"The enigma Baba, the father of our democracy and a formidable hero of Kenya’s 2nd liberation, you stood tall and strong in intellect, knowledge and quest for democracy. You faced brutal regimes’ brutality, you were tortured, jailed, abducted and detained severally for Kenya. When the history of Africa’s Pan-Africanism is written, your chapter as the indefatigable lion of Africa will attract many readers," he said.
Despite their political differences, Gachagua praised Raila’s ability to build and maintain a strong political movement over the years.
"Much as we have never been on the same political side, I have had a strong admiration of Raila Odinga's art of forming and sustaining a strong political party that survived 4 general elections. I remain amazed by his choice of quality legislators to fly the party flag and eloquently articulate party policies and the people they represented," he added.
Internationally, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi described Raila as a cherished friend of India and a great admirer of its culture and traditions.
"Deeply saddened by the passing of my dear friend and former Prime Minister of Kenya, Mr. Raila Odinga. He was a towering statesman and a cherished friend of India. I had the privilege of knowing him closely since my days as Chief Minister of Gujarat and our association continued over the years," he said.
Modi highlighted Raila’s affection for India and his efforts to strengthen ties between the two nations.
"He had a special affection for India, our culture, values and ancient wisdom. This was reflected in his efforts to strengthen India-Kenya ties. He particularly admired Ayurveda and traditional medicine systems of India, having witnessed their positive impact on his daughter's health. I extend my deepest condolences to his family, friends and to the people of Kenya in this hour of grief," he added.
