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.
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".
Mourners Storm Raila’s Grave News Just In
