Oburu Odinga Reveals Ruto's Response To Raila's Illness Before Trip To India

Raila Odinga’s elder brother, Oburu Odinga, has disclosed that President William Ruto was fully informed about Raila’s illness and personally arranged his travel to India for medical treatment.

Speaking on Sunday during the funeral service at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University grounds in Siaya County, Oburu revealed that the President’s assistance to the Odinga family began well before Raila’s death.

He recounted that when Raila’s condition worsened, the family met privately with President Ruto to explore the best medical options.

Oburu said it was during that meeting that the President offered to finance Raila’s flight to India, ensuring he accessed top-quality treatment.

President William Ruto signs a condolence book in Parliament on October 16, 2025. /PCS

“I want to thank His Excellency the President, who has stood with us right from the time I told him that 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 transport that flew Raila to India for treatment,” Oburu said.

The Siaya Senator further revealed that President Ruto stayed in constant contact with the Odinga family during Raila’s treatment in India, frequently checking on his health and recovery.

“I also want to tell you that the President kept a vigil, and he always checked on Raila to know what was happening with him. The day Raila died, I called him first and informed him of what had happened, and he was very sad,” he said.

Oburu noted that President Ruto personally ensured Raila received dignified medical care and later oversaw a state-organised farewell, describing the gesture as a genuine act of compassion.

“The President organised everything. All these arrangements would have been too heavy for us as a family,” Oburu added, commending the government for its logistical and financial support throughout the mourning period.

His remarks come amid widespread praise for the government’s handling of the national mourning and funeral plans for the former Prime Minister, with several speakers acknowledging the unity displayed between Ruto’s administration and the Odinga family.

Meanwhile, the Senator appealed to President Ruto to consider promoting Raila’s security detail in recognition of their loyalty and diligence in protecting his body.

Raila reportedly collapsed at the Sreedhareeyam Ayurvedic Eye Hospital and Research Centre before being rushed to a private hospital in Koothattukulam, where he was pronounced dead at around 9:53 a.m. Indian time (7:23 a.m. in Nairobi).