Suna East MP Junet Mohamed has opened up about why he was absent from the team that travelled to India to accompany the body of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, saying his health prevented him from joining the trip.
Junet explained that he was undergoing medical treatment at the time of Raila’s passing, and doctors advised against travel until he fully recovered. He added that the former prime minister’s death occurred while he was still under care, limiting his participation despite being scheduled to be part of the delegation.
“My records are there. I was unwell. The day I was discharged from the hospital on Thursday is the day we met Raila at Serena Hotel,” he said. He noted that although plans were in place for him to travel, a medical procedure intervened.
“On Friday, is when he travelled in the evening and then he passed on the 15th. I was on the team that was supposed to go, but I had a procedure. There are records,” Junet told Citizen TV on Wednesday.
Looking back on his long-standing political relationship with Raila, Junet described him as a mentor whose guidance shaped both his career and approach to leadership.
“I was with Raila everywhere. I spent all my political life with him. I got associated with him when I was 24 years old. He made me mayor and then I became an MP for three terms,” he said.
He described Raila as a hands-on leader who was approachable, consultative, and willing to guide colleagues on both political and personal matters.
“Raila was a good leader, he led us very well. I miss that. He was available, he would guide you on a daily basis, he was consultative and we could discuss with him anything political and personal.”
The delegation that went to India was led by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi. It also included Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, Senate Minority Leader Stewart Madzayo, Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi, and Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung’wah, among others. Raila’s family was represented by his youngest daughter, EALA MP Winnie Odinga.
Raila Odinga passed away in India on October 15, 2025, while receiving medical care. His death sparked national mourning, reflecting his decades-long role in shaping Kenya’s political landscape.
The government declared a state funeral with full honours, implementing a seven-day mourning period with flags at half-mast. Arrangements included the repatriation of his body to Kenya, public viewing, and final funeral events.
Raila was laid to rest on October 19, 2025, at his ancestral home in Kang’o Ka Jaramogi, Bondo, Siaya County, in line with his will, which specified burial within 72 hours of his passing. The ceremony drew family, national leaders, dignitaries, and military personnel, all participating in a service conducted with full state honours.
