Raila Odinga’s past remarks about death emerge after his passing: "Not a very bad thing"

Raila Odinga passed away, reportedly after suffering a heart attack while taking a walk in India, where he had travelled days before for tre...

• Raila Odinga passed away, reportedly after suffering a heart attack while taking a walk in India, where he had travelled days before for treatment
• A year before his death, Raila made notable comments about his thoughts on death, which have resurfaced following his passing
• Many Kenyans reacted to the resurfaced clip with emotional messages, many expressing disbelief over his death

Kenyans are struggling to come to terms with the sudden death of former prime minister Raila Amollo Odinga.

The veteran politician passed away on Wednesday, October 15, reportedly after suffering a heart attack while taking a walk in India, where he had travelled to receive treatment.

What did Raila Odinga say about death?

Following his passing, many have taken to social media to share clips and memories from his illustrious life, paying tribute to his decades of public service.

One post that has stood out is a clip of Raila speaking about death during a 2024 event.

At the time, he was reflecting on the hardships many Kenyans were facing, including deaths caused by starvation and lack of food.

In his remarks, Raila echoed Shakespeare’s famous line:

“Cowards die many times before their deaths, but the valiant never taste of death but once.”

He further explained:

"Death is a necessary evil that will come when it will come, so there is no need to fear it. If you are sick, there are only two possibilities: either you get treated and recover, in which case there is nothing to fear, or you die. Death is not a very bad thing. Even if you die and go to hell, there is nothing to worry about; you will find many of your friends there. You will spend a lot of time just greeting them before your time for the fire comes."

The remarks, delivered with his signature charm, left the audience in stitches at the time.

Watch the video below:

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Reactions to Raila's comments about death

Now, in the wake of his sudden death, Kenyans have revisited these words, sharing mixed emotions of grief and reflection.

Here are some reactions from netizens:

@LahmTk:

"A lion of Kenyan politics. A symbol of resilience. They never understood him. They feared his courage, mocked his resolve, but they could never break his spirit. The fire you lit will never go out! History will remember you kindly. Thank you, Baba."

@itslydiaowuor:

"This doesn’t feel real. At all

Raila is one of those people who have always seemed invincible. You kinda just assume he will always be there, outlasting every season."

@JohnSisoh:

"Baba RailaOdinga, si ungerudi tu home ata mara moja tukusalimie na tukuambie ata KWAHERI tu . Fare thee well. I shall miss you dearly but see you on the resurrection morning."

@Bryceeric:

"Raila's death gives me goose bumps... I just can't reconcile myself with this news."

What was Raila's last post before death?

okay1.co.kealso reported that the former prime minister's final social media post touched many Kenyans, who flooded the comments following news of his passing.

In the post, Raila celebrated Gor Mahia FC, sharing photos from when the team’s management had visited him.

He wished the club success in their upcoming matches and prayed for their return to glory in the new season.

Fans and followers penned emotional tributes under his post.