Raila, 80, reportedly passed away on Wednesday, October 15, while receiving treatment at an Ayurvedic hospital in Kochi, India.
According to medical reports, he collapsed during a morning walk and was later confirmed dead from cardiac arrest at Devamatha Hospital.
Before his death, Raila had been recovering from a mild stroke and had shown signs of weakness and breathing difficulties.
The news of his passing sent shockwaves across Kenya and beyond, with many leaders and citizens expressing grief and celebrating his lifelong contribution to the nation’s democracy.
The news of his passing sent shockwaves across Kenya and beyond, with many leaders and citizens expressing grief and celebrating his lifelong contribution to the nation’s democracy.
However, what caught many people’s attention was the silence of Barack Obama — a man known for his close ties to Kenya and his active presence on social media.
Several Kenyans online wondered why Obama, who has deep roots in Kogelo, Siaya County, had not issued a public message of condolence.
Several Kenyans online wondered why Obama, who has deep roots in Kogelo, Siaya County, had not issued a public message of condolence.
Some felt that as a global statesman and a family member, Obama’s words would have meant a lot to Kenyans mourning the respected leader.
On the same day Raila died, Obama was seen sharing a tribute to American R&B musician D’Angelo on his official social media accounts.
On the same day Raila died, Obama was seen sharing a tribute to American R&B musician D’Angelo on his official social media accounts.
This move sparked mixed reactions, with many saying it was unusual that he acknowledged another public figure’s passing but not Raila’s.
A section of Kenyans took to social media to express their views. One user wrote that even former U.S. President Donald Trump had already conveyed his condolences through the American Embassy in Nairobi, while Obama remained silent.
A section of Kenyans took to social media to express their views. One user wrote that even former U.S. President Donald Trump had already conveyed his condolences through the American Embassy in Nairobi, while Obama remained silent.
Others urged patience, suggesting that Obama might be mourning privately or preparing a more personal message.
Some supporters of Raila defended Obama, noting that grief affects people differently and that the two might have had a quiet, family-based relationship that didn’t require public statements.
Some supporters of Raila defended Obama, noting that grief affects people differently and that the two might have had a quiet, family-based relationship that didn’t require public statements.
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