SIAYA, Kenya – President William Ruto has spoken publicly about the heart-wrenching moment he learned of the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, describing it as one of the most difficult experiences of his life.
Speaking during Raila’s state funeral at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) in Bondo, Ruto recounted how he received the devastating news early Wednesday morning.
The President said he was on his way to his office at around 6:40 a.m. when he received a WhatsApp message from Raila’s elder brother, Dr Oburu Odinga, informing him that the former premier was critically ill.
“I immediately made a call to those who had accompanied Raila to India, but none of them had any information at the time,” Ruto recalled.
Moments later, Oburu called again.
“He said, ‘It seems Baba has left us.’ He wasn’t conclusive. That was about two minutes past seven,” Ruto said.
The uncertainty turned into heartbreak when Raila’s daughter, Winnie Odinga, called shortly afterward.
“I told her, ‘Please Winnie, do not tell me any bad news.’ But she said the bad has happened. My father is no more,” the President said. “Those were very difficult moments.”
Ruto said the news felt like both a personal and national tragedy.
“Many commentators wrote that this was a big blow to William Ruto — and yes, it was a big blow,” he admitted.
The President said he immediately reached out to Raila’s widow, Mama Ida Odinga, and contacted the Indian government for assistance.
He expressed gratitude to India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, describing him as a close friend of the late Raila.
“I must thank Prime Minister Modi for putting at our disposal all the support, including military honours,” Ruto said.
Raila, a towering figure in Kenyan politics and a five-time presidential contender, died in India, where he had travelled for medical treatment.
His death triggered an outpouring of grief across the country and beyond, prompting a seven-day period of national mourning.
Thousands of mourners — including citizens, political leaders, and foreign dignitaries — gathered in Bondo to pay their final respects to the man widely regarded as the father of modern Kenyan democracy.
Among the dignitaries 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, a long-time ally of Raila, described him as a “brother, confidant, and co-worker,” while President Ruto hailed him as a leader whose legacy “transcended politics and inspired a continent.”
The funeral marked the close of the official mourning period for Raila, whose decades-long struggle for democracy reshaped Kenya’s political landscape and left an indelible mark on African reform movements.
