By Murugi Ndwiga, Eastern
A wave of grief and outrage swept through Embu on Wednesday as students from the University of Embu staged dramatic protests in the heart of Embu’s Central Business District (CBD), demanding answers from the government over the sudden death of former Prime Minister Raila Amollo Odinga, affectionately known to them as “Jowie” or “Tinga.”
The students, chanting and waving banners emblazoned with messages such as “Raila, Why Now?” and “Bring Back Raila,” filled the streets with emotion and anger. Their central demand was clear, they wanted to know what really caused Raila’s death.
“We want the government to return Raila. We gave you a healthy man, why tell us he has died?” shouted one student protester who requested anonymity.
The protesters questioned why Raila had to be flown to India for treatment, insisting that Kenya’s hospitals could have adequately handled his condition.
“There will be no peace,” another demonstrator warned. “If the government does not tell us what happened to Raila Amollo Odinga, we will not rest.”
The students alleged that the official explanation is far from sufficient. They have vowed to continue pressing for transparency and a comprehensive, public account of the circumstances surrounding Raila’s death.
“We are mourning Tinga. His death has pierced our hearts,” said one student. “But we also demand justice, what truly happened to Raila Amollo Odinga?”
In solidarity, several businesses in Embu owned by members of the Luo community , particularly garages and workshops, closed their doors. Mechanics and traders said the shutdown was a mark of respect for Tinga, whom they described as a pillar of unity and empowerment. The usually noisy garages, filled with the sounds of engines and tools, were eerily silent.
Across Embu, residents expressed deep sorrow and disbelief. Many said Kenya had lost not only a leader but also a symbol of resilience, democracy, and reform.
“If it were not for Raila, Kenya would be worse off, in the economy, in security, in everything,” said local resident Joseph Murimi.
Mugo Mate, chairman of the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI), Embu Chapter, called Raila’s passing a “devastating blow” to the nation.
“Raila liberated Kenya and championed life-changing reforms that we still benefit from today. His death is a great loss. May his soul rest in peace,” Mate said.
According to early reports, Raila Odinga passed away on the morning of Wednesday, October 15, 2025, after suffering a cardiac arrest in India, where he had been receiving medical treatment. He was reportedly walking with his sister, daughter, and personal doctor when he suddenly experienced difficulty breathing and collapsed. Despite being rushed to a nearby private hospital, he was pronounced dead shortly after.
President William Ruto, addressing the nation from Nairobi, confirmed the news and announced a seven-day national mourning period, ordering flags to fly at half-mast in honor of Raila’s legacy.
Raila Amollo Odinga died at 80 years old. His passing marks the end of an era and the beginning of a national reckoning over the loss of one of Kenya’s most enduring and transformative political figures.