Ruto narrates Raila Odinga’s health struggles before facilitating his travel to India

President William Ruto has, for the first time, shared details of the late Raila Odinga’s health struggles, revealing how the government intervened to ensure the ODM leader received medical care abroad.

Speaking during the state funeral at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) on Sunday, October 19, 2025, Ruto recounted how Raila’s condition had deteriorated weeks before his death, prompting an urgent decision to fly him to India for specialised treatment.

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Ruto revealed that he had personally checked on Raila and persuaded him to take his health more seriously after showing signs of fatigue and discomfort

. “I must commend members of his family because they were always there for Baba, especially Winnie Odinga. Winnie, you are a special person to your father. You stood by him and persuaded him to take his health seriously,” he said.

The president said Raila had initially assured family and friends that he was well and even planned to return home soon.

“When we thought Baba was okay, he had called many people to tell them he was fine. The doctors had told him he would return after six months. He said he would go to rest in Dubai and then come home. We had planned to meet here in Bondo on Thursday for the investment conference,” Ruto narrated.

Final days in India

However, his condition worsened unexpectedly. “When I went to the office that morning, I saw a message from Oburu saying, ‘My brother is critically ill.’ I called him, and within minutes, Oburu called again and said, ‘It seems Baba has left us,’” Ruto recounted emotionally.

He said the government immediately reached out to Indian authorities to coordinate medical support and ensure Raila was accorded full honours during his treatment.

“I got in touch with the government of India and requested them to accord our brother the highest support they could. I must thank the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, who is a friend of Raila Odinga, for putting at our disposal all the support, including military honours,” he said.

Family’s dedication praised

Ruto paid tribute to the Odinga family for their unwavering care. “I must thank Ruth Odinga, who was there for her brother, and Oburu, who kept calling. Mama Ida also kept checking on him,” he added.

The president concluded by describing Raila’s passing as a personal and national loss. “It was not easy. Many commentators said this was a big blow for William Ruto. Yes, it is. We lost a great man and a friend of Kenya,” Ruto said.