Oburu Oginga: ‘Raila was my brother, confidant and irreplaceable friend’
"We grew up as the closest friends in the family — a bond forged in laughter, in shared secrets and in countless memories."
My brother was more than a sibling to me; he was my blossom friend, my agemate (with just a year and two months between us), my leader, my business partner and my confidant.
He was, simply put, everything to me. From the earliest days of our childhood, we shared a bond that was deep and unshakeable.
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We grew up as the closest friends in the family — a bond forged in laughter, in shared secrets and in countless memories. And yet, even in our closeness, we held each other accountable. Ours was a no-nonsense relationship when it came to truth and honesty. If one of us strayed, the other would speak up — firm but loving — because that’s what real friendship, real brotherhood demands.
He was fearless — in every sense of the word; fearless in physical confrontation, fearless in debate and above all, fearless in the pursuit of his goals. Whether it was politics, business or social causes, once he set his mind to something, there was no backing down. He carried a determination and confidence that could light up a room and inspire action. Academically, he shone with brilliance.
Always number one in class, he made excellence look effortless. He was a leader not just in our eyes but in every sphere he touched. People followed him because he knew where he was going, and he led with both strength and heart.
But even with all his drive and brilliance, he had his joys. He loved football — a true Arsenal fan through and through. You could always count on him to bring passion to the game, whether on the field or in front of the TV, cheering (or arguing!) with the kind of fire only he could bring.
Losing him feels like losing a part of myself — the part that always understood me without words, which always stood with me through every challenge, every victory and every plan we ever dreamed up together.
He may be gone from sight, but never from my heart. His legacy lives on — in the lessons he taught, the love he gave, and the example he set. Rest well, my brother. You were, and always will be, irreplaceable.
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