Charlene Ruto recalls her last conversation with Raila before his death
By Paulette Mboga, October 15, 2025President William Ruto’s daughter, Charlene Ruto, has shared her final moments with the late Raila Odinga, recalling a heartfelt encounter they had during the recent Devolution Conference.
Charlene remembered walking with the former Prime Minister from the plenary to her booth, where they exchanged warm words.
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“It was just the other day during The Devolution Conference that you held my hand as we walked from the plenary to my booth,” she said.
“As we walked, I vividly remember you saying, ‘This is good exercise,’ and I knew that that was one thing we would bond over later,” Charlene said, stating that Raila listened attentively as she spoke about her vision for young people and her passion for beekeeping.
His encouragement, she added, gave her great motivation.
“You keenly listened as I shared my vision for the young people and my passion for beekeeping. That alone was the greatest encouragement, but then again, you told me to keep it up, and it gave me an even further boost,” she said.
Raila’s words that inspired a young leader
Charlene revealed that although she had seen Raila Odinga many times on television and during political rallies alongside her father, meeting him personally was a special moment.
She described the leader as humble, wise, and kind.
“I had seen you before, in the media, in the rallies, engaging with my father in the political arena, but this was my first personal encounter with you,” she recalled.
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“I assumed that many more times we would meet again and you would hold my hand as you share with me the history of our beautiful motherland, your experience in leadership, and I would, in turn, share more about my thoughts and ideas for the young people.”
The President’s daughter said she had hoped to meet Raila again to learn more from his long journey in leadership. She expressed sadness that those future conversations would never happen.
“But alas, it was not to be,” she said. “All I can do now is leave you in the hands of The Almighty Father.”
Charlene’s emotional message added to the growing number of heartfelt tributes pouring in for the late Raila Odinga from leaders and citizens across the continent.