President William Ruto has revealed that he was deeply concerned about former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s health in the weeks leading up to his death.
Speaking during Raila’s funeral service at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology in Bondo on Sunday, the President said the last one and a half months before Raila’s passing were difficult, as he noticed the ODM leader’s declining health.
“Every time I met Baba, his voice was hoarse. He kept telling me he was weak because of the drugs he was taking, and I was very concerned,” Ruto said.
The President recounted how Raila sought treatment at several hospitals abroad under the care of his long-time personal doctor, Prof. Oluoch Olunya.
Ruto disclosed that while attending the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York a month ago, he stayed in touch with Raila and even planned to meet him after returning to the country.
“When I came back, I thought we would meet on a Saturday or Sunday, but when I called him, he said, ‘William, I have gone to Malindi to rest as the doctors advised. I’ll come back on Tuesday.’”
However, on that Tuesday, Ruto said Raila called to inform him he was back and intended to visit his office, but he advised him to rest at home instead and offered to visit in the evening.
“That evening, I went to his home. Mama Ida prepared dinner. We sat together with Oburu and Winnie. He told us how he was feeling, and we all agreed that there should be no guesswork about his health. I told him the Kenyan government would support him wherever he chose to seek treatment,” Ruto narrated.
The President said Raila finally made a decision to travel to India for treatment and the government facilitated veruthing that was needed.
He commended Raila’s family for standing by him throughout his illness, singling out his daughter Winnie Odinga for her dedication to her father’s wellbeing.
“Winnie, you’re a special person. You stood by your father and constantly encouraged him to take his health seriously,” Ruto said.
Ruto recalls moment he received news of Raila’s passing
President Ruto disclosed that Raila’s condition appeared to improve shortly before his death.
“He called many people saying he was fine. The doctors had told him to rest and come back after six months. He said he would pass through Dubai before coming home,” Ruto said.
But just days later, tragedy struck.
“At around 6:45 in the morning, I saw a message from Oburu on WhatsApp saying, ‘My brother is critically ill.’ Minutes later, he told me, ‘It seems Baba has left us.’ Then Winnie called and confirmed the sad news. Those were very difficult moments,” he said.
Ruto described Raila’s death as a very big blow, not just to him personally but to the entire nation.
He revealed that the government coordinated with Indian authorities to facilitate the return of Raila’s body, thanking Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for granting the late leader full state support, including military honors.
Raila died on the morning of October 15, 2025, while receiving treatment at a hospital in India, where he had travelled for specialised care.
The veteran politician was laid to rest at Oginga Odinga family home (Kang’o Ka Jaramogi) in Bondo on Sunday, October 19.
