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Dennis Onsarigo shares how Uhuru quietly stood by Raila during his illness
19th November, 2025 04:11 PM
Dennis Onsarigo has lifted the lid on the quiet, compassionate support former President Uhuru Kenyatta offered the late Raila Odinga during moments of ill health.
The Press Secretary of the late ODM leader, in an interview on Iko Nini Podcast interview on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, said Uhuru, while still in office, used to go out of his way to make sure that Raila was well.
Also watch: Uhuru Kenyatta pays quiet tribute at Raila Odinga’s grave in Bondo
“During this period, Uhuru went out of his way to make sure that Raila received the best medical care and was well taken care of,” he said.
Onsarigo continued to state that in 2020, when Raila was struck down by COVID-19, the former Head of State tried everything within his power to ensure that Raila received the best medical care.
He expressed his disappointment that, during the same time, when Raila had relapsed from COVID-19 and was in bed struggling to breathe with an oxygen concentrator beside him, only his daughter Winnie Odinga kept him company.
Some politicians who were aligned with Raila at the time opted to visit State House for a meeting with the former president.
But Onsarigo argues that this created an unfortunate impression, as the timing, coming when Raila was fighting for his life, could easily be seen as an attempt to discuss succession or position themselves for leadership, almost as though they had already written off his chances of surviving.
Also watch: Uhuru Kenyatta vows to continue Raila Odinga’s legacy
However, after sharing the scenario with Raila, who was bedridden at the time, he dismissed it as a non-issue, saying that it was part of the 2022 election plan.
Raila’s illness
Onsarigo continued to state that if Raila were to die, it could have happened in 2020, as COVID-19 had severely affected his lungs. He could barely breathe; initially, they had managed it, but after a few days, the virus relapsed, and he had to be hospitalised again.
Incidentally, Onsarigo also went on to praise President William Ruto for the role he played in Raila’s medical care, saying that the president was also concerned and helped plan for his medication and treatment.
This was also appreciated by many of his supporters and politicians when the late veteran leader was accorded a State Funeral from Nairobi services to the burial ceremony at his ancestral home at Kang’o Ka Jaramogi in Bondo, Siaya.
