President Ruto helped fly Raila to India for treatment, says Oburu

President William Ruto condoles Ida Odinga as Oburu Odinga looks on at Parliament, Nairobi, where Raila Odinga lay in state. (Photo: PCS)

By Maureen Kinyanjui
Sunday, October 19, 2025

The Senator said Ruto maintained constant communication with the family during Raila’s hospitalisation, regularly checking on his condition and offering words of comfort.

Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga has disclosed that President William Ruto played a crucial role in organising medical treatment abroad for the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, standing closely with the family during his illness and after his passing.

Speaking during the burial ceremony at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) in Bondo, Oburu expressed deep appreciation to the President for his unwavering support throughout Raila’s final journey.

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“I want to thank the President, who has stood with us since the time I told him Raila was sick. We sat down, and he is the one who organised the transport that flew Raila to India for treatment,” Oburu said

The Senator said Ruto maintained constant communication with the family during Raila’s hospitalisation, regularly checking on his condition and offering words of comfort. “I also want to tell you the President kept vigil and always checked on him,” Oburu added.

He recalled that he personally informed the President about Raila’s deteriorating condition shortly before his death, describing the moment as one of the most difficult for the family.

“The day Raila died, I was the one who called him and told him he was in a very critical condition after I was told by my sister,” he said. “I called the President again and informed him, and he was very sad, but he organised everything.”

According to Oburu, the President’s involvement went beyond medical arrangements. He said Ruto took charge of funeral preparations and ensured all logistics were well coordinated, lifting a huge weight off the family’s shoulders.

“All these arrangements would have been too heavy for the family. Thank you, Your Excellency,” Oburu said, adding that the Head of State’s presence and personal support brought comfort during their moment of grief.

Raila Odinga, who served as Kenya’s second Prime Minister between 2008 and 2013, passed away on Wednesday, October 15, 2025. His death has sparked an outpouring of grief and tributes from leaders and citizens across the world, many describing him as a fearless reformist who dedicated his life to democracy, justice, and equality.

The late opposition leader will be laid to rest at the family’s home in Kang’o ka Jaramogi, Bondo, where a state funeral has been organised in his honour. Thousands of mourners, including local and international dignitaries, have gathered to celebrate his life and legacy.