The passing of Raila Odinga has left many in shock, but now, his brother, Oburu Oginga, has revealed a crucial detail about his final days: a blood clot in his head. This revelation sheds new light on the events leading up to his death and the medical interventions he underwent.
Oburu Oginga, the Siaya senator, disclosed that Raila had been battling a cerebral clot, a condition that necessitated strong medication prescribed by doctors in Nairobi. This medication played a significant role in his decision to scale back his public appearances.
"It was some clot that was discovered on his head, and it was being dissolved by our doctors here in Nairobi," Oburu stated during an interview on NTV. He clarified that while Raila was unwell, it wasn't a critical condition initially.
The strong medication, however, forced Raila to withdraw from several engagements, including the burial of former minister Dalmas Otieno. Oburu represented him at the event. Additionally, the ODM party canceled its planned 20th-anniversary celebrations at the last minute.
A pivotal meeting at Raila's Karen home, attended by President William Ruto and Oburu, led to a crucial decision: to seek medical treatment in India. Oburu revealed that conflicting opinions between Kenyan doctors and specialists in Dubai prompted the urgent intervention.
"My brother had told me that Ruto had gone to the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and that Ruto was coming back and that he was supposed to meet him at State House in the evening, and then I told him that I wanted to go with him to hear what Ruto had to say about his sickness. He told me yes, he will call me when he gets the time,” he said.
The meeting with President Ruto led to the immediate medical evacuation to India. President Ruto arranged a chartered plane to Mumbai.
"The president took that matter seriously and organised for his evacuation to India. I am very grateful to him for what he did. His quick reaction. We would not have managed to work that fast,” Oburu acknowledged.
In Mumbai, doctors successfully addressed the clot. According to Dr. Oburu, Raila was "up and about, alive and kicking" before leaving the hospital. He then traveled to Southern India for recuperation.
Oburu, who described Raila as his 'twin,' also addressed the remarks made by Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga regarding Raila's death, calling them childish.
This raises the question: Did the differing medical opinions and the decision to seek treatment abroad significantly impact the outcome? What are your thoughts on the role of political figures in medical decisions, especially in high-profile cases like this? Share your perspective in the comments below.
