Ruto recounts painful moment he found out about Raila’s death

President William Ruto has recounted the emotional ordeal of learning about the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, describing it as one of the hardest moments in his life.

Speaking at Raila’s state funeral at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) in Bondo, Ruto detailed the early morning sequence that confirmed the passing of the veteran leader and opposition icon.

The President said he was on his way to his office around 6:40 am on Wednesday when a WhatsApp message arrived from Raila’s elder brother, Senator Oburu Odinga.

“Oburu informed me that Baba was critically ill,” Ruto said. “I immediately made a call to those who had accompanied Raila to India, but none of them had any information at the time.”

Shortly after, Oburu called again. “He said, ‘It seems Baba has left us.’ He wasn’t conclusive. That was about two minutes past seven.”

The gravity of the situation was confirmed minutes later by Raila’s daughter, Winnie Odinga.

“I told her, ‘Please Winnie, do not tell me any bad news.’ But she said the bad has happened. My father is no more,” Ruto recalled. “Those were very difficult moments.”

Ruto described the loss as both deeply personal and nationally significant. “Many commentators in the newspapers said this was a big blow to William Ruto,” he acknowledged. “Yes, it was a big blow.”

Upon confirmation, the President reached out to Raila’s wife, Mama Ida Odinga, and coordinated with the Indian government for support.

“I must thank the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, who was a friend of Raila, for putting at our disposal all the support, including military honours,” he said.

Raila passed away in India, where he had travelled for medical attention. His death triggered seven days of national mourning, drawing thousands of mourners, including citizens, political leaders, and international dignitaries, to Bondo to honour his legacy as the father of modern Kenyan democracy.

The state funeral marked the conclusion of the official mourning period for a leader whose decades-long career transformed Kenya’s politics and inspired reformists across the continent. Among those present were former President Uhuru Kenyatta, former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, and Senate Speaker Amason Kingi.

Obasanjo, in his tribute, described Raila as a “brother, confidant, and co-worker,” while President Ruto paid homage to a leader whose impact on Kenya went beyond politics, leaving a legacy that will endure for generations.

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• RAILA
• President William Ruto
• India
• Raila Odinga
• Senator Oburu Odinga
• Winnie Odinga
• Ida Odinga
• Bondo
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