Ruth Odinga Slams Kenyan Youth Mourning Raila: “He Died Knowing You Preferred Him Dead”

Ruth Odinga Slams Kenyan Youth Mourning Raila: “He Died Knowing You Preferred Him Dead”

Emotions ran high on Saturday afternoon at Opoda Farm in Bondo, Siaya County, when Ruth Odinga, the late Raila Odinga’s younger sister, delivered a bold and emotional message to Kenyan youths. Speaking during the public viewing of her brother’s body, Ruth openly criticized Gen Zs for what she termed as “hypocrisy” in mourning the fallen opposition leader.

Her remarks stirred mixed emotions among mourners, many of whom wept silently as she spoke.

“I want to say something, you, as the Gen Zs, you are the same people who wished Raila death when he was alive, and now you are telling me about the outpouring of love,” Ruth said, her voice trembling.

She paused briefly, then added more firmly:

“He died knowing that you Gen Zs preferred him dead. For those who said those things when he was still alive, it was wrong. He wished you could have expressed love for him when he was alive.”

A Sister’s Heartbreak

Ruth revealed she was present during her brother’s final moments in the hospital. Her words painted a heart-wrenching picture of the man many considered Kenya’s greatest fighter for democracy.

“When I laid him down and stopped the machines, I said Kenya had lost,” she recalled emotionally, holding back tears.

She explained that Raila’s death was not just a family tragedy, but a national heartbreak, adding that his struggle for justice and freedom had shaped Kenya’s history and future.\

“The loss is for Kenya,” she repeated, her tone heavy with pain.

Raila’s Enduring Legacy

Ruth further reflected on her brother’s vision for the Odinga family home in Bondo. She recounted a time when she disagreed with Raila’s decision to convert their homestead into a museum in memory of their father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga.

“I remember when he told us he was making our home a museum, I was the first one to protest. I questioned him, ‘Where am I going to go?’” she narrated.

But with time, Ruth admitted that Raila’s dream made sense — a vision of preserving history and legacy.

“Afterwards, I agreed, and now we have a heritage,” she said with pride.

She emphasized that the museum had become a symbol of learning, unity, and remembrance for generations to come.

“There is a lot of learning, and it is more monumental. Now that even Raila Odinga is buried there, it means the Odinga family’s legacy will live forever in people’s minds,” Ruth stated passionately.

The Pain of Lost Appreciation

Ruth’s remarks resonated deeply with the crowd, many of whom reflected silently. Her powerful words served as a reminder of how easily heroes are forgotten when alive, yet adored when gone.

She challenged Kenyans, especially the youth, to honor leaders through actions, not mere words. Her statement echoed through the crowd — a painful truth many struggled to face.

As the sun set over Bondo, one thing became clear — Raila Odinga’s death had reignited a national reflection on gratitude, unity, and the cost of true leadership.

“He wished the best for the youth,” Ruth concluded softly. “Even those who mocked him — he never held hate in his heart.”

ALSO READ: Emotions Run High During Public Viewing of Raila’s Body at His Opoda Farm in Bondo

Ruth Odinga Slams Kenyan Youth Mourning Raila: “He Died Knowing You Preferred Him Dead”