‘Raila Odinga Died in Karen Not India’ Says Jaramogi’s Wife Anyango

A strange story has been going around online in Kenya over the past few days. It claims that one of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga’s wives, named Anyango, said Raila Odinga actually died at home in Karen, Nairobi, and not in India, as everyone knows. She asks questions like why Ida Odinga did not go to India and why leaders who travelled there were not allowed to see the body.

Raila Odinga passed away on October 15, 2025, while getting medical treatment in India. Major news outlets from Kenya and around the world reported it the same way. He collapsed during a morning walk at a hospital in Kerala, southern India. Doctors there said it was cardiac arrest. He had been dealing with issues like diabetes, high blood pressure, and kidney problems.

His body was flown back to Kenya soon after. There were public viewings in Nairobi and Kisumu. Thousands of people came out. The funeral happened in Bondo on October 19. President William Ruto and other leaders attended. It was all covered on TV and in papers.

About the claim from “Anyango” Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, Raila’s father, had four wives. One was Mary Juma Odinga, who was Raila’s mother. She passed away back in 1984. Raila’s wife is Ida Anyango Odinga. There is no record of a living wife of Jaramogi named Anyango making any statement like this.

Searches online turn up nothing credible about this interview. These kinds of stories pop up sometimes after big deaths, especially with famous people connected to politics.

Why do rumors like this spread? Raila’s death came as a shock to many. He was a huge figure in Kenyan politics for decades. People looked up to him. When someone that important dies far away, questions come up. Plus, there were health rumors before he went to India. Family members had said he was just resting and getting check-ups. Then the news hit suddenly.

Some people might not trust official stories right away. Kenya has seen misinformation before, like fake videos after his death. One AI-made clip showed a body being covered in a hospital, but fact-checkers proved it was not real.

Ida Odinga was in Kenya handling family matters. Raila’s daughter and some relatives were with him in India. Leaders who went later helped bring the body back. There were no reports of anyone being blocked from seeing it.

The facts point to India. Hospital records, statements from Indian officials, and the Kenyan government all match. His burial followed Luo traditions at the family home in Bondo.

Rumors can cause confusion and hurt families still grieving. Raila’s passing left a big gap in opposition politics. Parties like ODM are figuring out next steps. Recent polls show Kenyans talking about his legacy and what it means for the 2027 elections.

It’s normal to have questions after a loss like this. But sticking to what reliable sources say helps. Raila spent his life fighting for democracy and fairness. Remembering the real story honors that.