Former Kenyan prime minister Raila Odinga’s sudden death on Wednesday, October 15, has left the nation in mourning. Raila Odinga’s body at JKIA (R). Former POTUS Barack Obama and Raila Odinga in 2018. Kenyans have wondered why former US president Barack Obama, a cousin to Raila, has not publicly mourned his passing. How did Raila Odinga die? The ODM leader, who passed away at the age of 80, was receiving treatment at the Sreedhareeyam Ayurvedic Eye Hospital and Research Center in Kochi, Kerala, when he collapsed during a morning walk.
He was rushed to Devamatha Hospital in Koothattukulam, where he was pronounced dead from cardiac arrest. Before his death, Raila had been recovering from a mild stroke, with his final moments marked by breathing difficulties before he collapsed. Is Obama active on social media? Obama, who has deep Kenyan roots from his father’s side, has not posted any messages of condolence on social media. This has raised eyebrows, especially since the former U.S. president is known for his active presence on platforms like Facebook and Twitter, where he frequently shares his thoughts. For instance, on the same day as Raila’s death, Obama shared a tribute to R&B and soul singer D’Angelo, who had also passed away. Despite his usual social media activity, Obama has not acknowledged Raila’s death, sparking reactions from Kenyans. What did Kenyans say about Obama’s silence on Raila’s death?
A netizen expressed his surprise, noting that President Donald Trump had already sent his condolences through the US Embassy in Kenya, while Obama had remained silent. “Still waiting to see when former POTUS Barack Obama will honour his cousin Raila Amollo Odinga, one of Africa’s greatest sons. I have seen President Donald J. Trump send his emotional condolences via the American Embassy. Barrack, are you still sleeping? Agwambo has rested. Let’s tag that Boy from Kogelo who miraculously became world president in the U.S. until he wakes up … Why is he behaving like he is not a Kenyan Obama?” the netizen wrote. Fans of both Obama and Raila flooded the comment section, expressing their concerns.
John Franciis: “I have just discussed this with my friend here about the same. It would be honourable for Obama to do so as a statesman.” Kibe Tony: “Some things are automatic; if he doesn’t feel the urgency, then there has never been anything.” Carolyne Anyango: “Barack Obama is still in shock, just like some of us still are.” Johnson Salim: “It’s today evening, I just asked myself if the great guy known as Barack Obama is aware of this. I went further to an extent of asking my friend who was also still shocked of the news,I asked him if Obama had been seen anywhere,,,,, the answer is not yet that guy should show up bwana.”
By Brian Ajon
