Raila Odinga’s elder brother, Oburu Odinga, has revealed that President William Ruto was fully aware of Raila’s illness and personally facilitated his travel to India for treatment.
Speaking on Sunday during the funeral service of the veteran opposition leader at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University grounds in Siaya County, Oburu said the President’s support to the family began long before Raila’s passing.
Oburu disclosed that when Raila’s health began to deteriorate, the family held a private meeting with President Ruto to discuss the best medical intervention.
According to Oburu, it was during that meeting that the President offered to cover the cost of Raila’s flight to India, ensuring he received the best care available.
“I want to thank His Excellency the President, who has stood with us right from the moment Raila got unwell. When Raila was sick, we sat down, all three of us, and agreed that Raila would seek treatment. He is the one who paid for the ticket to see off Raila to India,” Oburu said.
The Siaya Senator added that President Ruto maintained constant communication with the family throughout Raila’s treatment abroad, regularly enquiring about his condition and progress.
“I want to tell you that the President kept a vigil and kept asking how Raila was doing during his treatment. The day Raila died, I called him first and informed him of what had happened,” he noted.
According to Oburu, President Ruto took a personal interest in ensuring Raila received dignified medical attention and later a state-organised farewell, describing the President’s actions as a true show of humanity.
“The President organised everything. All these arrangements would have been too heavy for us as a family,” Oburu added, acknowledging the government’s logistical and financial support during the period of mourning.
The revelation comes amid widespread praise for the manner in which the government coordinated the national mourning and funeral plans for the former Prime Minister, with many of the speakers who addressed mourners noting the unity displayed between Ruto’s administration and the Odinga family.
Meanwhile, the Senator asked President Ruto to promote the former PM's security detail in the wake of his death, while lauding their dedication and vigilance in guarding his body.
Raila collapsed within the premises of Sreedhareeyam Ayurvedic Eye Hospital and Research Centre and was rushed to a private hospital in Koothattukulam, where he was pronounced dead at around 9:53am Indian Time (7:23am in Nairobi).
