Dennis Onyango, longtime aide to the late Raila Odinga, has opened up about the final instructions the veteran politician left him, revealing a glimpse into Raila’s thoughts in his last months. According to Onyango, the instructions focused less on politics and more on preserving Raila’s legacy through documentation and reflection.
Tying Up Loose Ends
Onyango disclosed that Raila was keen on collecting his speeches, compiling a biography, and documenting the journey of his life. The former opposition leader wanted these works to focus on themes like Pan-Africanism rather than defending his political legacy.
“We had talked about his collection of speeches and the biography. He called me the day before to make sure I would be there. It was clear he wanted to tie up loose ends,” Onyango said.
Revisiting the Past
In February 2024, Raila and Onyango travelled to Germany to revisit his school and university years. Onyango recounted how Raila repeatedly asked for his notebook to ensure every detail was accurate. While Raila appeared physically strong, his actions indicated a deeper sense of closure and reflection.
Navigating Unclear Instructions
Despite receiving these final instructions, Onyango admitted that he is still unsure how to execute them fully.
“Actually, I don’t know what he wanted me to do with that information… I still don’t know,” he said. Nevertheless, he is committed to completing whatever Raila wanted, whether that involves writing a book or preserving his speeches.
Legacy Over Politics
Raila reportedly told Onyango:
“No, no, no, I have lived my life… those things you are worried about… history will sort out.” This underscores that his focus in the final days was on legacy rather than ongoing political battles.
Implications
The revelations provide an intimate look into Raila Odinga’s final months, showing a leader who prioritized reflection and posterity over immediate political concerns. For his supporters and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), these instructions may guide how his life and contributions are remembered and preserved.
Raila Odinga’s final instructions, as shared by Onyango, emphasize documentation, legacy, and historical reflection. The task now lies in bringing these final wishes to fruition, ensuring that his life and vision are recorded for future generations.
