Oburu Odinga is the elder brother of Raila Odinga.He is aged 74.
Oburu Odinga is two years older than his younger brother Raila.According to the Luo traditions, Oburu was to inherit his father’s kingdom but Raila hurriedly took the mantle.
The Luo tradition further states that if the younger brother becomes more successful, as is the case of Raila,he must help the elder brother as much as possible. You have seen in many instances where Raila runs into trouble with some of his friends over Oburu; it’s not because of anything, but due to the fact that he doesn’t want to be seen behaving like Oburu is his junior.
In the last general election,Oburu lost badly, but Raila was quick to nominate him as a Senator. In this year’s election,Oburu didn’t participate but he was promised a position by Raila.
Interestingly,Raila is not allowed to contest the Bondo parliamentary seat when his brother is also contesting. Even in the previous elections, he had to contest in Kibera, away from his brother.
