President William Ruto has detailed the health struggles of Raila Odinga and the long journey to get him treatment abroad.
Ruto said the final months were very difficult.
“The last one and a half months were very difficult,” Ruto said.
“Every time I met Raila, his voice was hoarse. He told me he was weak because of the medication.”
Ruto said Raila had been unwell for some time. He had visited several hospitals in Dubai, the United States, and even a Canadian hospital based in the UAE. Despite all efforts, his condition remained worrying.
While attending the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, Ruto said he kept getting updates on Raila’s health. When he returned to Kenya, as doctors had advised, Raila was resting in Malindi.
They agreed to meet a few days later. Raila wanted to meet at the office, but Ruto insisted on visiting him at home. “His wife cooked for us,” Ruto said.
“We were with his brother, Senator Oburu Oginga, and his daughter, Winnie Odinga. Raila explained how he was feeling, and we all agreed there should be no guesswork. We told him to speak with his doctors and update us.”
Ruto said the government promised to cover all medical expenses.
Raila considered treatment options in Germany and China before choosing India. The state helped make all the arrangements for the trip.
Sadly, just as things seemed to be improving, tragedy struck. Raila had told his family and friends that doctors had cleared him and that he would soon return home, only to go back after six months for checkups.
On Wednesday, October 15, Ruto received a message from Oburu saying Raila Odinga was critically ill. A few minutes later, another message came: “It’s like Baba has left us.”
Winnie confirmed the sad news soon after.
Ruto described that moment as deeply painful and said Raila’s passing was “an act of God.”
After Raila Odinga died, Ruto organized a full state funeral with military honours. He sent a government team to India to bring Raila’s body home and declared a seven-day national mourning period.
That same night, Raila Junior confirmed that his father had wished to be buried within 72 hours.
The funeral brought together leaders from across Africa, including former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, who delivered a heartfelt tribute.
The ceremony was a historic moment for Kenya, a farewell to a man whose political legacy touched generations.
By Vivian K.