Politics, diplomacy & football: Inside Raila Odinga's last public appearances

Before his death on October 15, 2025, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s final weeks were marked by a series of calculated public appearances that blended national politics, diplomatic duties, and personal interests.

These engagements, which concluded on October 3, 2025, offered a final glimpse into the priorities of one of Kenya’s most enduring political figures before he withdrew from public life for the last time.

On September 5, Odinga attended the burial of former Laikipia North MP Mathew Lempurkel at Ilpolei farm.

He delivered a tribute, characterising Lempurkel not only as a dedicated party member but as a fierce and uncompromising defender of the Maa community's land and cultural rights.

Five days later, on September 10, 2025, Odinga hosted United States Chargé d'Affaires Susan Burns at his Nairobi office.

Their meeting was a standard diplomatic engagement, with their discussions centred on strengthening the bilateral partnership between Kenya and the US, covering areas of mutual interest including trade, security, and democratic governance.

On September 12, Odinga hosted Harambee Stars player Ryan Ogam and his parents at his residence for a farewell before Ogam's departure to join a professional club in Austria.

He commended Ogam's performance in recent tournaments and cited the need for greater investment in sports infrastructure and youth talent development in Kenya.

On 22 September, Odinga convened an ODM Parliamentary Group meeting.

In his final major address to his party’s legislators, Mr Odinga confirmed that ODM would field a presidential candidate in the 2027 general election.

This marked his last appearance before a two-week absence from public view.

Odinga missed the Nyanza regional ODM celebrations on September 26 in Kisii County.

On 3 October, Odinga chaired a consultative meeting at Serena Hotel in Nairobi with ODM officials.

The meeting led to the postponement of ODM's 20th anniversary celebrations from October 10-12 to November 14-16 in Mombasa to "ensure inclusivity by engaging with more counties before converging in Mombasa" as per Mr. Odinga on X.

Later that afternoon, Odinga met Gor Mahia executives, led by Chairman Ambrose Rachier, at his residence.

The delegation briefed him in his capacity as club patron on their strategic plans for the 2025/2026 season and he, in turn, pledged support.

In a statement, the club has since mourned his passing, acknowledging his unwavering support.

Following this meeting, he travelled to India on the evening of October 3 for what was described as a medical visit, concluding a final, busy period of public life.