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President William Ruto has given little-known details of the final few weeks of Raila Odinga as he revealed some of the hard conversations with the former Prime Minister before his demise. 

In an emotional final tribute at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) in Bondo, Siaya County, on Sunday, October 19, Ruto revealed Raila sought medical help from different facilities across the world before settling in India, where he passed away.

The Head of State revealed that during one of his latest meetings with Raila, the ODM party boss revealed he was weak because he was on strong medication. 

"He had visited Dubai and the United States, and they told him some things about his health. After he came back, his doctors administered more medicines to him," Ruto revealed.

President William Ruto and ODM Party Leader Raila Odinga during a joint parliamentary group meeting on Monday, August 18 2025.

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Ruto further divulged that during his trip to New York for the United Nations General Assembly, he had Raila's health in mind and had intentions to meet with the former Premier once he jetted back to the country.

"When I called him (after getting back to Kenya), he told me, 'William, I have gone to Malindi as per the doctors' advice. I will be back on Tuesday.' I told him okay," Ruto went on. 

On the said Tuesday, Raila had intentions to meet Ruto, but the President urged him to instead go to his Karen home, where the two leaders would subsequently meet. 

During that meeting, Raila explained he was struggling healthwise and in the presence of his daughter, the President, Mama Ida and other family members, Ruto urged him to seek the best medical attention at the government's expense. 

Ruto went on, "He first thought of Germany and China before settling on India, where he has friends. We facilitated everything that the former Prime Minister wanted."

"When we thought Baba was okay, he called many people, saying he was fine and doctors had asked him to make a follow-up visit in six months. We had plans to visit the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga stadium, but that obviously did not happen."

"On my way to the office (on October 15), I received a text from Oburu (Odinga), and he said Raila was not well. I wondered how, since he said he was feeling fine. I made some calls to his proxies, and in a few minutes, Oburu called me again and told me, 'It looks like Baba has left us. That was a few minutes after 7am."

In what he described as a difficult moment, Ruto further revealed that he received the confirmation call that Raila had passed away from the former Premier's daughter shortly after a vague conversation with Oburu Odinga. 

The president also gave special recognition to Raila's daughter, Winnie Odinga, who he claimed was integral in supporting Raila during his final moments. 

Ruto also highlighted the challenges the government encountered in trying to honour Raila's wish to be buried within 72 hours while managing the complex logistics of repatriating his body back to the country.

In his speech, Ruto further detailed some opposition he faced while trying to give Raila a state burial. According to Ruto, he turned a blind eye to the requests of lowering Raila's status, describing him as "The People's President". 

A portrait of the late Raila Odinga near his coffin during the funeral service at JOUST University grounds on October 19, 2025.

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Police have fired tear gas at Kasarani Stadium, dispersing thousands of Kenyans who had thronged the venue.

Footage obtained by Kenyans.co.ke showed Kenyans rapidly dispersing as smoke from the tear gas filled the 48,000 capacity stadium.

The tear gas led to chaos erupting in the stadium as the huge crowd was forced to flee in different directions as police chased them away. Within minutes, the stadium which had been filled to capacity, was virtually empty.

According to reports, the chaos began after some of the Kenyans in the stadium began throwing stones towards the pitch, triggering the rough response from the police.

Mourners dispersed from Kasarani stadium as security officers fire teargas

More clips showed individuals believed to be police officers attacking the gathering with sticks, in an attempt to drive them away from the stadium.

Unconfirmed reports pointed towards several people getting injured, with two people believed to have been shot dead during the chaos.

The crowd had gathered at Kasarani after the public viewing of Raila's body was changed to the stadium from Parliament, with organisers citing space and logistical issues.

The viewing was expected to take place from 12 noon, as had earlier been communicated. However, the body was held at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) for over two hours with little to no progress.

Raila’s body, which had arrived from India, embarked on an hours-long journey to Kasarani, as military personnel had to bear with the escort of Kenyans on foot and boda bodas all the way from JKIA to Thika Road.

A huge crowd had trooped to JKIA to receive Raila’s body from India, with the crowd even managing to breach the VIP area and landing zone, where Raila’s body lay.

At Kasarani, the situation managed to cool down with the mourners allowed back into the stadium. While some settled at the seats, others went onto the football pitch to receive treatment from on-site paramedics.

President William Ruto is yet to formally receive Raila's body, with the former PM's wife Ida Odinga also yet to see the remains of her late husband since its arrival. 

Former Prime Minister, the late Raila Odinga, photographed in a past image.

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Athletics Kenya

UPDATE: Normal operations at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) have been fully restored following the earlier temporary suspension.

Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) has been temporarily closed.

In a statement, the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) said the airport was closed due to an ongoing security situation following the arrival of the remains of the late Raila Odinga.

"Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) informs the public that operations at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) have been suspended due to an ongoing security situation following the arrival of the remains of the late Raila Odinga, former Prime Minister of Kenya," part of the statement reads.

The authority added that a large number of mourners gained access to restricted areas at the airport, forcing security teams to act immediately to restore order.

Thousands surround the KDF entourage escorting the body of Raila Odinga from JKIA, October 16, 2025.

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Travellers and members of the public are urged to remain calm and avoid the airport area until normal operations resume.

KCAA, in the statement, apologised for the inconvenience caused, asking the public to cooperate during the brief suspension.

The closure was necessitated after large masses trooped into the airport to escort the body of Raila Odinga. These led to the body being held up at the airport for several hours.

The entourage led by the Kenya Defence Forces was to escort the body to Lee Funeral Home before being moved to Parliament for a public viewing. 

However, the public viewing has been moved to Kasarani Stadium after masses poured to Parliament, closing the Parliament Road. 

It had earlier been communicated that the viewing will expectedly to take place from 12 noon.

"Due to the surge in the number of mourners, the viewing of the body of HE Raila Amolo Odinga has been moved from the Parliament Buildings to Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani," the statement by ODM read in part.

"Members of the public are advised to proceed to Kasarani, where there shall be enough space and time to view the body."

Former Prime Minister, the late Raila Odinga, photographed in a past image.

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Athletics Kenya

The public viewing of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has been moved from the Parliament Buildings to Kasarani Stadium.

His procession to the Lee Funeral Home before the public viewing has also been cancelled.

The decisions come after a huge crowd came out to escort the body of Raila from JKIA, while another trooped to Parliament.

Those who had already started queuing at Parliament have thus been advised to redirect to the Moi International Sports Centre in Kasarani.

Thousands surround the KDF entourage escorting the body of Raila Odinga from JKIA, October 16, 2025.

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As such, the communication obtained by Kenyans.co.ke also indicates that heavy traffic is to be expected on Thika Road as the procession heads that way.

The viewing was expected to take place from 12 noon, as had earlier been communicated. However, the body was held at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) for over two hours with little to no progress.

"Due to the surge in the number of mourners, the viewing of the body of HE Raila Amolo Odinga has been moved from the Parliament Buildings to Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani," the statement by ODM read in part.

"Members of the public are advised to proceed to Kasarani, where there shall be enough space and time to view the body."

Additionally, the public viewing of the body in Kisumu on Saturday, October 18, which had been expected to take place at Moi Stadium, has also been changed to Mamboleo Showground.

The communication further revealed that more changes in the funeral schedule are to be expected.

Earlier this morning, when Raila's body landed at JKIA from Mumbai, India, members of the public breached the VIP section, deterring President William Ruto from formally receiving it.

The procession, which was expected in Parliament by 12 noon, has since suffered delays as thousands of Kenyans stormed the airport for the reception.

Tomorrow, October 17, the fallen political giant will be granted a state funeral by the government at Nyayo Stadium. The day has been declared a public holiday.

On Saturday, he will be airlifted to Kisumu for the public viewing at Momboleo Stadium, before his burial at his Bondo home on Sunday.

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, CSs Opiyo Wandayi and Hassan Joho, as well as Governor Sakaja while receibing Raila's body in Mumbai, October 16.

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The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has appointed the Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga as the interim party leader following the passing of his brother, Raila Odinga.

The appointment will take effect immediately following an early morning National Executive Committee (NEC), ahead of the arrival of Raila's body at JKIA at 9:30am.

"The National Executive Committee (NEC) has this morning met and unanimously endorsed the designation of the Senator of Siaya County, Dr Oburu Oginga, as the Acting Party Leader. This appointment takes effect immediately," the statement by ODM read.

Speaking after the meeting, Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir also revealed that it had opened condolence books in all its offices across the country, where members of the public could eulogise its fallen party leader.

Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga at his brother Raila Odinga's Karen residence on Wednesday, October 15 2025.

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He also invited them to the public viewing of Raila's body, which will lie in state at the Parliament buildings between 12 noon to 5pm.

He insisted that despite the death of its founder and its leader for the past two decades, the party would remain steadfast in its role.

"ODM remains united just like it was during the Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga's time. We believe in unity of purpose, a stronger democratic party and a party that must live on for many years to come," Governor Nassir said.

"For this regard, the NEC has designated the Senator of Siaya County, Hon. Dr. Oburu Odinga, to be the acting party leader, until the time that the top party organs meet and elect a substantive party leader to fill the big shoes that have been left by our leader."

Following his death on Wednesday morning, President William Ruto announced that the former Prime Minister would be accorded a state funeral, naming a committee chaired by his deputy, Kithure Kindiki, to lead the funeral organisation.

The three-day event will culminate in his burial on Sunday, October 19, at his family’s graveyard in Kango Ka Jaramogi, beside his late son Fiden and father Jaramogi Oginga Odinga.

On Friday, October 17, the government will hold a State Funeral service at the Nyayo Stadium from 8am, after the public viewing on Thursday. Friday has also been declared a public holiday to allow for his mourning.

The body will finally be flown to Nyanza on Saturday, October 18, when it will land in Kisumu for a public viewing of the body at Moi Stadium from 9am to 3pm.

The body will then be ferried by road from Kisumu to Bondo for an overnight stay before his burial on Sunday.

An undated photo of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga (left) and Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga.

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NMG

The government has declared Friday, October 17, a public holiday in honour of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen officially gazetted the day in a notice received by Kenyans.co.ke on the morning of Thursday, October 16. 

"In exercise of powers conferred in Section 3 of the Holidays Act, the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration declares that Friday, October 17 2025, shall be a public holiday in honour of the former Prime Minister Rt. Honourable Raila Odinga," the gazette notice read. 

Raila passed away at a private hospital in Koothattukulam in the Ernakulam district of Kerala, India, on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, aged 80, with President William Ruto declaring seven days of mourning.

Image of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga

Murkomen had earlier reiterated that in the wake of Raila's death, the government would work closely with the Odinga family to ensure he was accorded a befitting farewell. 

The national holiday is expected to give Kenyans from all walks of life a chance to reflect on the life and legacy of Raila, who is considered one of the most important politicians in Kenya's history. 

Since Wednesday, flags across the country, including at the State House, have been flying at half-mast, while all government engagements have been cancelled to allow for mourning of Raila.

On Wednesday, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki revealed that it was Raila Odinga's wish to be buried 72 hours after his passing. This could explain why a public holiday was declared as early as Friday. 

"We have been advised as a committee by the family that it was the wish of Raila to be buried as soon as possible, and the family has informed us that the timeline is 72 hours," Kindiki announced. 

Raila's body is expected to arrive at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) at 9:30am where it will be received by President William Ruto and the late ODM boss's close family members. 

Ahead of the arrival of Raila's body, security has been tightened at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), with a heavy presence of Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) personnel who will take over proceedings once the body lands in Kenya. 

As per the farewell programme detailed by Kindiki, Friday will also see Raila accorded a State Funeral at the Nyayo Stadium, in a service which will bring together dignitaries from across the world to mourn the former Premier. 

From JKIA, Raila's body will be moved to Lee Funeral Home before being transported to the Parliament buildings, where it will lie in state.

Raila is expected to be buried in the family’s graveyard in Kango Ka Jaramogi in Bondo beside his late son Fiden and father Jaramogi Oginga Odinga's graves. 

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi in India with a contingent of other leaders to receive the body of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga on Thursday, October 16.

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Musalia Mudavadi

Raila Odinga is set to be buried on Sunday, October 19, as per his wishes to be laid to rest 72 hours after his passing. 

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, who was appointed as the chairperson of Raila's National Funeral Committee, confirmed the burial date on Wednesday, October 15, during a State Address. 

"We have been advised as a committee by the family that it was the wish of Raila to be buried as soon as possible, and the family has informed us that the timeline is 72 hours," Kindiki announced. 

While the 72-hour period from the time of Raila's death technically ends on Saturday, Kindiki explained that adjustments had to be made to accommodate unforeseen logistics - including the fact that the former Prime Minister died in a foreign country, which requires time to repatriate his body to Kenya.

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki during a public address on the evening of Wednesday, October 15 2025.

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Raila's Burial Programme

Raila's body is expected to arrive at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) at 8:30am. The body will be received by President William Ruto alongside members of Raila's family. 

From JKIA, Raila's body will be moved to Lee Funeral Home before being transported to the Parliament buildings, where it will lie in state. Here, Kenyans will have the opportunity to view the body between 12 noon and 5pm.

The body will be moved back to Lee Funeral Home, where it will stay until Friday.

On Friday, the government will then hold a State Funeral service at the Nyayo Stadium from 8am in honour of Raila Odinga. 

His body will later be taken to his residence in Karen, where it will spend the night. 

"On Saturday, the body will leave Nairobi for Kisumu, and there will be a public viewing of the body at Moi Stadium from 9am to 3pm," Kindiki announced. 

After public viewing, the body will travel by road from Kisumu to Bondo for an overnight stay.

Finally, the burial will take place on Sunday, October 19 and will be conducted as per the traditions of the Anglican church with which Ralia belonged. 

The former Prime Minister is expected to be buried in the family’s graveyard in Kango Ka Jaramogi, beside his late son Fiden and father Jaramogi Oginga Odinga's graves. 

Kenya's High Commissioner to India, Ambassador Peter Munyiri, receives Raila's body at the Kerala Medical College in India pic.twitter.com/xwOAunrSVi

— Kenyans.co.ke (@Kenyans) October 15, 2025

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga is dead.

Raila, who was undergoing treatment in India, is said to have died after suffering a cardiac arrest during a morning walk on Wednesday, October 15.

He was rushed to hospital where he was pronounced dead at around 9:52am (Indian time), according to a spokesperson for the hospital.

According to reports from India, his daughter and relatives were with him.

Also Read: Inside Dubai Facility Offering Elite Care Where Raila Odinga Was Reportedly Spotted

Also Read: Oburu Odinga Confirms Raila Was Sick and Travelled to India for Treatment

Also Read: ODM Director Etale Says Raila is Happy, Shares Odinga's Message to Kenyans

Image of ODM Party Leader Raila Odinga at a past function

Raila had arrived at Koothattukulam in Kerala’s Ernakulam district for Ayurvedic treatment. 

The 80-year-old had arrived in India six days ago for treatment, attracting nationwide attention as conflicting reports on his health began circulating.

Speaking at an ODM event on Thursday, October 9, Raila's brother Oburu Odinga, had confirmed that his brother was indeed sick and receiving treatment, noting that he was on the path of recovery. 

He, however, dismissed speculations that the former Prime Minister was gravely sick, clarifying that Odinga only suffered a slight illness which forced him to seek medical attention abroad.

“I want to take this opportunity to clarify this, there have been a lot of rumours about our party leader, Raila Odinga, that he is very sick, that he is almost dying and that he is completely out," Oburu noted.

Adding: "But I want to tell you that he is out and about, and he is just like any other human being who was indisposed a little, and he is now recuperating and resting, but he was not in those conditions alleged."

A day before, Railla's wife Ida Odinga had dismissed rumours on his health, noting that Raila was well and had travelled abroad to take a break from Kenya's political spotlight.

She went ahead to question how people who are not close to Raila could know his health status better than she does.

Raila's death came as his party, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) was about to celebrate its 20th anniversary, with the celebrations set to be held in Mombasa.

An image of Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga

Kenya African National Union (KANU) party boss Gideon Moi has dropped out of the Baringo Senatorial by-election race.

The former senator revealed that he had withdrawn his candidacy on Thursday, barely a week after initially announcing his intention to join the race.

KANU Secretary General George Wainaina confirmed that the party would not field a candidate, arguably giving the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) a free run at the polls.

Before the announcement, Gideon had failed to present his nomination papers to the Independent Boundaries and Electoral Commission (IEBC), prompting protests by his supporters in his Kabarnet stronghold on Thursday, October 9.

President-elect William Ruto and Kanu party leader Gideon Moi.

Kenyans.co.ke

His supporters had turned up at the Baringo Airstrip as they waited for Gideon to present his papers. 

IEBC had allocated Gideon between 11:00am and 2:00pm to submit his papers, but the former Baringo Senator did not turn up by the close of the allocated window. 

State House Meeting

His decision to drop out followed reports of a secret meeting between Gideon and President William Ruto at State House, believed to have focused on the upcoming Baringo race.

Gideon's visit to State House followed an invitation from Ruto, and it is believed that the two leaders held candid discussions about the upcoming contest and other national issues. Gideon was accompanied by KANU SG Wainaina and former Baringo Woman Representative Gladwell Cheruiyot. 

Moi’s decision to contest had caused ripples within Ruto’s UDA, as a negative outcome in the Baringo by-election would have had a knock-on effect in Ruto’s influence in the greater Rift Valley region.

Previously, Gideon had pledged not to align himself with the current regime and was believed to have been using the Standard Group, a company affiliated with him, to heavily criticise the government.

Moi had lost the Baringo seat in the 2022 General Election to the late William Cheptumo, with Ruto’s UDA trouncing KANU across multiple other elective seats in the perceived KANU stronghold.

In the upcoming November 27 by-elections, Ruto’s UDA will be represented by Vincent Chemitei.

President William Ruto (right) with the UDA Baringo Senatorial aspirant Vincent Chemitei in a past photo.

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