Oburu says Dubai and Kenyan doctors disagreed on Raila’s health, prompting Ruto’s attention
By David Nthua, November 2, 2025Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga has revealed that President William Ruto visited the late Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party leader Raila Odinga at his Karen home a day before his evacuation to India.
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In an interview with a local TV station on Sunday, November 2, 2025, Oburu disclosed that there was a conflict between Kenyan doctors and medical specialists in Dubai regarding Raila’s health condition, which prompted urgent intervention by the president.
“We agreed that he must go there immediately because there were conflicting positions taken by doctors in Dubai and here. His personal doctor was even given an opportunity to look at the details,” Oburu said.
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Oburu narrated that he had initially planned to accompany Raila to meet Ruto.
“My brother had told me that Ruto had gone to the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and that Ruto was coming back and that he was supposed to meet him at State House in the evening, and then I told him that I wanted to go with him to hear what Ruto had to say about his sickness. He told me yes, he will call me when he gets the time,” Oburu said.
He went on to explain how, after about two hours, Raila personally called him with the details.
“Raila called me and told me that it is Ruto who was to come to his house at 6, and I should go there at 6. I went there and waited for him for about an hour, but he finally came,” Oburu said.
Ruto’s Karen meeting
The senator detailed that during the meeting, they discussed Raila’s condition thoroughly and agreed on the need for immediate medical evacuation to India.
He praised President Ruto for his swift response and decisive action.
“The president took that matter seriously and organised for his evacuation to India. I am very grateful to him for what he did. His quick reaction. We would not have managed to work that fast,” Oburu added.
The revelation sheds light on the behind-the-scenes coordination and medical deliberations that preceded the late ODM leader’s transfer to India, underscoring the critical role of timely intervention in high-profile medical emergencies.