Governor Abdulswamad Nassir breaks down as he recalls final moments with Raila
Raila, fondly known as “Baba” by his supporters, served as Kenya’s Prime Minister between 2008 and 2013 in the Grand Coalition Government formed after the disputed 2007 general election.
Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir, who also serves as the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Deputy Party Leader, broke down in tears on Wednesday while addressing the media following the death of ODM leader Raila Odinga.
Abdulswamad, visibly shaken, struggled to compose himself as he recalled his last conversation with Raila, saying the former Prime Minister had been in “extremely high spirits” just a day before his death.
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“It is a sad moment for all of us. Just yesterday, before I travelled, I had work with some donors in South Africa, and just before I travelled, I had a word with him. I don't want to discuss it, but he was in high spirits, extremely high spirits,” he said.
“Before that, I talked to him, I think it was just after the trip we had gone to Kasipul and Magarini, and I was actually telling him that he just let us be the ones to take charge of these by-elections. He called me yesterday to tell me that there is a group of doctors who wish to be able to invest in Mombasa, and I told him I am travelling to South Africa and I will be back in two days.”
Moments after, the governor was overcome with emotion and unable to continue, turning away from the interview as tears streamed down his face.
Raila Odinga, 80, passed away this Wednesday morning while undergoing treatment in India.
His death marks the end of an era in Kenyan politics, closing the chapter of a man who dedicated decades to the country’s struggle for democracy, social justice, and good governance.
Raila, fondly known as “Baba” by his supporters, served as Kenya’s Prime Minister between 2008 and 2013 in the Grand Coalition Government formed after the disputed 2007 general election.
He was the son of Kenya’s first Vice President, the late Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, and remained a key figure in opposition politics for much of his life.
He contested the presidency five times in 1997, 2007, 2013, 2017, and 2022, coming close on several occasions but never clinching the top seat.
Despite never ascending to the presidency, Raila was widely regarded as a statesman who shaped Kenya’s democratic path and inspired millions across the country and beyond.
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