The family of the late Raila Odinga has revealed that it was President William Ruto who arranged for him to be flown to India for treatment.
His brother, Senator Oburu Odinga, thanked the President for standing by the family and handling all the arrangements following the death of the former Prime Minister and ODM party leader on Wednesday, October 15.
Kisii Governor Simba Arati also affirmed this during the internment service on Sunday, held at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University Grounds in Bondo, Siaya County.
Besides the facilitation, Oburu said President Ruto continuously monitored his condition throughout his stay in the hospital.
“ We sat with him and he decided that he should fly Raila to India. President Ruto is the one who organised the transport which flew Raila to India for treatment. He kept a vigil, constantly calling to check on his condition”, he told mourners.
He further shared how he conveyed the tragic news and expressed gratitude to the Head of State for overseeing the funeral arrangements.
“I called the president, and he was very sad, and he swiftly made all these arrangements. I wouldn’t have done all these. It would have been too heavy for me and the family to take care of these crowds. I would have collapsed,” he stated.
Sentiments echoed by Kisii governor Simba Arati and also the ODM Deputy Party Leader.
He said the President told him he cannot gamble with his health “When Baba was planning to travel to India for treatment, I spoke with President William Ruto. The President told me, ‘We cannot gamble with the life of our brother Raila Odinga, so I am providing a plane to take him to India,’ and he did. Thank you very much, President Ruto.
