Ruto Reveals Raila's Global Trips In Battling Illnesses Before His Death

President William Ruto has shared previously unknown details about Raila Odinga’s final weeks, including some of their candid conversations before the former Prime Minister’s death.

Delivering an emotional tribute at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) in Bondo, Siaya County, on Sunday, October 19, Ruto disclosed that Raila had sought treatment in several countries before eventually settling in India, where he died.

The President recounted that in one of their recent meetings, Raila confided that he was feeling weak due to the medication he was taking.

Raila Odinga's body on display at the funeral service at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University grounds in Siaya County on October 19, 2025. /PCS

"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 said.

Ruto added that while on a trip to New York, he kept thinking about Raila’s condition and had planned to meet him as soon as he returned to Kenya.

"When I called him (after returning 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 recounted.

That Tuesday, Raila was set to meet the President, but Ruto suggested they instead meet at his Karen residence.

During that meeting, Raila opened up about his health struggles. In the presence of his daughter, the President, Mama Ida, and other family members, Ruto encouraged him to seek the best treatment available — fully funded by the government.

Ruto continued, "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) saying Raila was not well. I wondered how, since he had said he was feeling fine. I made some calls to his proxies, and a few minutes later, Oburu called me again and told me, 'It looks like Baba has left us.' That was a few minutes after 7 a.m.," Ruto narrated.

Describing it as one of the most difficult moments, Ruto said he later got confirmation of Raila’s passing from the former Prime Minister’s daughter, following a brief, uncertain exchange with Oburu Odinga.

The President went on to commend Raila’s daughter, Winnie Odinga, for her dedication and care during her father’s final days.

Ruto also admitted that fulfilling Raila’s wish to be buried within 72 hours posed serious logistical challenges, especially with the process of bringing his body back to Kenya.

He further revealed that there had been resistance from some quarters against granting Raila a state burial — opposition he chose to ignore, insisting that Raila deserved full honours as “The People’s President.”