By Sandra Blessing
For Senator Oburu Oginga, October 15th is usually a day to reckon and celebrate. It is a day that he usually celebrates his birthday.
He has religiously celebrated his birthday with his family, including Raila, whose presence has always been significant to him.
But this year, Oburu knew Raila would not attend the birthday party because he was in India undergoing treatment.
Oburu had earlier told a gathering in Siaya County that Raila had gone for a medical check-up in India and would soon return to the country.
“Raila was feeling unwell but I can tell you he is improving. It was not a serious matter and we expect him to return home soon,” he said.
But it never occurred to Oburu that that would be the last time and day he would see and speak to his younger brother.
But as fate would have it, on his birthday, gloom descended upon the Odinga family. It was never to be a birthday celebration but a death day sorrow.
Oburu, who was born on October 15th, 1943, had prepared to celebrate his 82nd birthday but was woken up by the sad news of the demise of Raila, his political leader.
“I had prepared to celebrate my birthday but I found myself mourning my brother. It was a sad and dark day for me,” he said.
Oburu said he had a heavy heart to say farewell to his brother, whom he described as his protector and defender.
“Raila was more than a brother to me, he was my friend, business partner, agemate and adviser. He was everything to me. We grew up together as twins.
When we grew together in Bondo Sakwa, we were three boys. Our mother was a disciplinarian. Raila knew how to cook but I didn’t. Raila was best in class while I was average. Raila was always in position one in class.
Raila was a sportsman and played football, but I was better than him in high jump.
My brother loved to hear news. One day he was late for school, and when he was asked what made him late, he replied that he was still listening to the news, and he was only in Standard Three.
He did not entertain mediocrity and would correct it with a left jab to teach one a lesson. He protected me and the late Agola. He was brave and fought off those who attacked us,” he said.
Oburu said he was honoured by the ODM party to have been made the party leader to replace Raila.
“I want to thank my party, ODM, for making me the acting party leader. I will take the mantle with vigour, and I assure you, I will not disappoint. Even though Raila’s shoes are big, I want to try my best,” he said.
