President William Ruto/PCS
President William Ruto has said the death of former Prime
Minister Raila Odinga is a great personal loss to him, describing the late
opposition leader as a key figure in Kenya’s political and national life.
Speaking during Raila’s burial ceremony at Jaramogi Oginga
Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) in Bondo, Siaya County,
President Ruto acknowledged that many have speculated about how the loss
affects him politically, but said the pain he feels is deeply personal.
“Many commentators in the newspapers and in the media say
this is a big blow for me. Yes, it is. It is a very big blow,” Ruto said.
The President’s remarks reflected the respect and political
bond that had developed between the two leaders in recent months, following
years of rivalry.
Ruto and Raila had, in the period before his death, worked
together on several national initiatives aimed at unity and economic
transformation.
Ruto described Raila as a statesman whose contribution to
Kenya’s democracy and governance would be remembered for generations.
He said the late leader’s ability to stand firm in his
convictions while still pursuing peace and dialogue was a mark of his maturity
and patriotism.
Ruto had joined thousands of mourners, including former
President Uhuru Kenyatta, African leaders, and dignitaries, in paying tribute
to Raila, who was laid to rest at his home in Bondo.
The President said Raila’s passing leaves a void not only in
Kenyan politics but also in the country’s collective national spirit.
Raila Odinga will be laid to rest at their Kang’oKa’Jaramogi home in Bondo, Siaya County, following a state funeral attended by
national and international leaders.
He died in India following a cardiac arrest. He was in the
country for treatment.
Following his death, President William Ruto announced that Raila
would be accorded a state funeral and that the country would observe seven days
of national mourning, where flags would fly at half-mast.
During his remarks, the President also narrated events that
led to Raila flying out of the country for treatment and their interactions
over the last one and a half months.
“We consulted with him very often, but the last one and a
half months were very difficult because every time I met Baba, his voice was
hoarse and he kept on telling me 'I am weak because I’m taking some drugs' and I
was very concerned,” Ruto narrated.
Various leaders including former President Uhuru Kenyatta, and former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo among others attended the funeral.
