The President narrated how Raila’s health had been deteriorating for weeks. He disclosed that Raila had traveled to several countries seeking treatment before finally settling in India.
“He had visited Dubai and the United States, and they told him some things about his health. After he came back, his doctors administered more medicines to him,” Ruto said, his voice heavy with emotion.
President William Ruto and ODM Party Leader Raila Odinga during a joint parliamentary group meeting on Monday, August 18 2025.
President Ruto explained that he had planned to meet Raila after returning from the United Nations General Assembly in New York. However, Raila was in Malindi on his doctors’ advice.
“When I called him after getting back to Kenya, he told me, ‘William, I have gone to Malindi as per the doctors’ advice. I will be back on Tuesday.’ I told him okay,” Ruto recounted.
A portrait of the late Raila Odinga near his coffin during the funeral service at JOUST University grounds on October 19, 2025.
“He explained he was struggling healthwise, and in the presence of Mama Ida and his daughter, I urged him to seek the best medical attention at the government’s expense,” Ruto shared.
Government’s Support and Raila’s Optimism
According to Ruto, Raila considered several treatment options.
“He first thought of Germany and China before settling on India, where he has friends. We facilitated everything that the former Prime Minister wanted,” the President said.
“When we thought Baba was okay, he called many people, saying he was fine and doctors had asked him to make a follow-up visit in six months,” Ruto recalled.
The two leaders had even planned to visit Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Stadium, a plan that fate would not allow.
The Moment Kenya Lost ‘Baba’
Ruto’s voice trembled as he recounted the morning he received the devastating news.
“On my way to the office on October 15, I received a text from Oburu (Odinga) saying Raila was not well. I wondered how, since he had said he was fine. Minutes later, Oburu called again and told me, ‘It looks like Baba has left us.’ That was a few minutes after 7 a.m.,” Ruto said.
President Ruto taking a moment of respect during Raila Odinga’s funeral service at JOOUST, October 19, 2025
Honoring ‘The People’s President’
Ruto also revealed the difficulties his administration faced in fulfilling Raila’s wish to be buried within 72 hours while organizing the repatriation of his body. Despite opposition, Ruto stood firm in ensuring the late leader received a dignified state send-off.
“Some wanted us to lower his status, but I refused. Raila was ‘The People’s President,’ and he deserved respect even in death,” Ruto declared, earning a long round of applause.
