President William Ruto has shared previously unknown details about the final weeks of the late Raila Amolo Odinga’s life, revealing intimate moments and conversations that highlighted the former Prime Minister’s battle with illness before his passing in India on October 15, 2025.
Speaking during a moving tribute at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) in Bondo, Siaya County, on Sunday, October 19, Ruto described Raila’s final journey with emotion and reverence, calling him a friend, patriot, and statesman whose courage remained unshaken even in his weakest moments.
Raila’s Final Battle With Illness
The President revealed that Raila had sought medical attention from several facilities abroad before settling on India for advanced treatment. “He had visited Dubai and the United States, where doctors told him some things about his health,” Ruto said. “When he came back, his doctors gave him stronger medication, and when we met, he told me he was feeling weak.”
Ruto said that while attending the UN General Assembly in New York, he had Raila in mind and had planned to meet him once back in Nairobi. “When I called him after returning, he said, ‘William, I have gone to Malindi as per the doctors’ advice. I will be back on Tuesday,’” Ruto recalled.
When the two eventually met at Raila’s Karen residence, Ruto, alongside Mama Ida Odinga and Winnie Odinga, encouraged him to seek specialized care abroad. “He considered Germany and China before deciding on India, where he had friends. We facilitated everything he needed,” Ruto said.
The Final Call
Ruto narrated how he received the heartbreaking news of Raila’s death while heading to his office on the morning of October 15. “I got a text from Oburu Odinga saying Raila was not well. Minutes later, he called again and told me, ‘It looks like Baba has left us.’ It was just after 7 a.m.,” the President recounted solemnly.
The confirmation came moments later from Winnie Odinga, who, according to Ruto, played an instrumental role in caring for her father throughout his illness. “Winnie was a pillar of strength to him, and I want to commend her for standing by Baba until the very end,” Ruto said.
Honouring Raila’s Wishes
The President disclosed that Raila had expressed a wish to be buried within 72 hours, a request that presented logistical challenges for both the government and the family. Despite facing opposition from some quarters regarding Raila’s burial status, Ruto said he insisted on granting him a state funeral with full military honours.
“There were those who suggested we lower his status, but I said no. Raila Odinga was The People’s President, and he deserved nothing less than a dignified state send-off,” Ruto affirmed, earning applause from mourners.
A Nation’s Farewell
The funeral in Bondo marked the culmination of a week of national mourning, with thousands of Kenyans paying their respects. As Raila was laid to rest beside his father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, his life was remembered as one of sacrifice, endurance, and vision — a man whose political and moral influence shaped Kenya’s democratic path.
President Ruto’s heartfelt recollection of Raila’s final days offered a rare glimpse into the humanity behind the legend, revealing not just the frailty of his last days, but the enduring grace with which he faced them.
