Raila died walking, not in his bed – Maurice Ogeta

The leadership of Gor Mahia Football Club paid a visit to the family of the late Raila Odinga on Monday, June 1, where they presented the club’s historic 20th Kenya Premier League title in honour of their longtime patron.

Odinga, who remained a passionate supporter and patron of the club until his death in October 2025, played a significant role in Gor Mahia’s history and growth over the years.

During the visit, his longtime bodyguard, Maurice Ogeta, shared details about Odinga’s final moments in India, where he had been receiving medical treatment.

Maurice Ogeta Recalls Final Moments

Speaking during the gathering, Ogeta revealed that the veteran politician did not pass away while resting in bed, as many had believed.

According to him, Odinga was taking part in his usual morning exercise routine at a villa in India when the incident occurred.

“The patron died while walking. He did not die in bed. It was unfortunate because I was only about a metre away from him, just as we normally were during our morning exercises,” Ogeta recalled.

He explained that the pair were walking around a small circuit measuring approximately 50 metres, a routine they had followed on numerous occasions.

A Routine Morning Walk

Ogeta said Odinga had planned to complete five laps that morning and had discussed the goal before beginning the exercise.

The first round was completed without any difficulties. However, during the second lap, Odinga suddenly stopped after covering only a short distance.

According to Ogeta, there was no dramatic collapse or fall.

“Most people think he fell down or collapsed, but he simply stopped walking, and after that, he did not say anything,” he said.

His Final Word

Sensing that something was wrong, Ogeta approached Odinga and asked whether he needed assistance.

He recalled that the former Prime Minister uttered only a single word in response.

“The only word he said was ‘aai.’ And that was it,” Ogeta recounted.

Remembering a Lifelong Patron

The account offered a deeply personal glimpse into the final moments of a leader who remained active despite undergoing treatment.

For members of Gor Mahia, the revelation carried particular significance, given Odinga’s longstanding association with the club and his unwavering support throughout its journey.

The visit served as both a celebration of the club’s latest league triumph and a tribute to a man whose influence extended beyond politics into the world of Kenyan football.

As Gor Mahia marked its 20th league title, club officials honoured the memory of a patron whose passion for the team remained evident until the very end.