New details have emerged about former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s private meeting with top Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) officials held just hours before his fateful India trip.
ODM Deputy Party Leader and Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi revealed that Raila convened the closed-door meeting at Nairobi’s Serena Hotel to discuss crucial party matters, including the much-anticipated ODM at 20 celebrations.
According to Osotsi, Raila appeared energetic and optimistic, yet his words during the meeting hinted at a possible awareness of his declining health and looming mortality.
Raila’s India Trip and the Serena Hotel Meeting
Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi disclosed that Raila Odinga personally summoned a few senior ODM members to Nairobi’s Serena Hotel in early October. The meeting was strictly private, attended by Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, MPs Junet Mohamed and Rosa Buyu, and party Finance Director Joshua Kawino.
Osotsi said Raila wanted to discuss the future of the ODM at 20 anniversary event, initially planned for Mombasa. The gathering was meant to reflect on two decades of the party’s journey and to bring together all key political figures who had once been part of ODM.
During the Citizen TV interview on Monday evening, Osotsi recounted that Raila appeared cheerful and deeply engaged in the conversation. “He looked strong and full of energy. He told us he was fine but wanted to travel for a medical checkup,” Osotsi stated.
The senator said Raila asked for their advice on whether to continue with the ODM at 20 celebrations during his absence or postpone them. “We agreed to delay the event until his return to Kenya,” Osotsi added.
Raila’s Final Words to ODM Officials
According to Osotsi, Raila’s tone during the meeting carried a rare sense of finality. Though he insisted he was healthy, his remarks seemed unusually reflective. “I think he had a premonition about his death,” Osotsi remarked.
He revealed that Raila had insisted the ODM at 20 event should be grand, lasting three days, and should include every politician who had ever passed through ODM—even President William Ruto. “He wanted it to be big and inclusive,” Osotsi said, suggesting that Raila viewed the celebration as a symbol of unity and political maturity.
Osotsi added that before leaving for India, Raila urged the team to keep ODM strong and open to new members ahead of the next general election. “He emphasized unity and resilience. He told us ODM must remain vibrant beyond individual personalities,” Osotsi recalled.
Why Raila Chose India for Treatment
Though details about Raila’s illness remain largely private, sources close to the family confirmed he chose India for specialized medical care. Over the years, India has been Raila’s preferred destination for health checkups, given its advanced facilities and trusted medical relationships.
Osotsi said Raila’s decision to travel was not abrupt but planned. “He had already spoken about going abroad for treatment earlier in the year. The Serena meeting was simply to put party affairs in order before his departure,” he explained.
Reports indicate that Raila’s close aides, including family members, were aware of his travel plans. Still, none expected his condition to deteriorate so suddenly. His passing left the ODM fraternity in shock, as he had shown no visible signs of illness during the meeting.
ODM Faces Future Without Its Founder
Osotsi’s revelations have stirred deep emotions within ODM. The party now faces the challenge of navigating life without its founding leader, who was both its spiritual and political anchor. His final meeting symbolized a man tying up loose ends, ensuring continuity even in his absence.
Insiders say the postponed ODM at 20 event will now serve not only as a celebration of the party’s history but also as a tribute to Raila’s lifelong struggle for democracy and justice.
Meanwhile, talk of internal realignments continues to swirl within ODM. Some members are reportedly positioning themselves for leadership roles, while others call for unity and calm. Osotsi’s message, however, remains clear—Raila’s final wish was for ODM to remain strong and united.
“His last appeal to us was to protect the movement and ensure it continues shaping Kenya’s political future,” Osotsi emphasized.
