President William Ruto has shared details of his last interactions with the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, giving mourners a rare glimpse into his close relationship with Raila in his final days.
The President revealed that the former Prime Minister’s health had become a growing concern in the weeks leading to his death.
Speaking during Raila’s funeral in Bondo, President Ruto stated that he had frequently consulted with the opposition leader and had personally followed up on his medical condition.
“We consulted with him often, but the last one and a half months were difficult. Every time I met Raila, his voice was hoarse, and he kept telling me he was weak because he was taking some medication,” Ruto said.
The President recounted how Raila openly shared details of his treatment, saying he had sought medical attention at the American Hospital and Canadian Hospital in Dubai, under the supervision of his Kenyan doctors led by Dr. Olunya.
“When I went to New York for the UN General Assembly, I kept track of what he was doing. I told him that I would pass through Dubai on my way back for a check-up and that we would meet when I returned, because I was concerned about his health,” Ruto said.
Upon returning to Kenya, Ruto said he had planned to meet Raila the following Saturday, but Raila informed him that he had travelled to Malindi for rest on his doctor’s advice.
They later agreed to meet the following Tuesday.
“When Tuesday came, Raila called and told me he wanted to come to my office. But I told him, because you are unwell, go home and I will come to see you in the evening,” Ruto narrated.
That evening, Ruto visited Raila at his Nairobi home, where he was received by Mama Ida Odinga, who prepared dinner for them. Also present were Raila’s brother Oburu Odinga and daughter Winnie Odinga.
“We talked for a long time, and he explained how he was feeling. We all told him that we didn’t want any guesswork regarding his health and assured him that the government would facilitate any medical assistance he needed,” Ruto said.
He added that Raila later considered seeking treatment in Germany, China, and other countries before settling on India, where the government made all necessary arrangements for his care.
The funeral marked the conclusion of Kenya’s national mourning period for Raila, a man who defined opposition politics for over four decades, and who was celebrated not only as a politician but also as a statesman and pan-African visionary.
Thousands of mourners gathered at the JOOUST grounds in Bondo, including political leaders, international dignitaries, and ordinary Kenyans who came to honour his legacy.
