President William Ruto addressing mourners during Raila’s state funeral at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) in Bondo/PCSPresident William Ruto has opened up on the emotional moment
he received news of the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Ruto described the moment 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 revealed that he was heading to his office early Wednesday morning, around 6:40 am, when he received a WhatsApp message from Raila’s elder brother, Dr Oburu Odinga.
“Oburu informed me that Baba was critically ill,” Ruto recalled. “I immediately made a call to those who had accompanied Raila to India, but none of them had any information at the time.”
Just minutes later, Oburu called again.
“He said, ‘It seems Baba has left us.’ He wasn’t conclusive. That was about two minutes past seven.”
The gravity of the situation became undeniable when Ruto received another call shortly after — this time from Raila’s daughter, Winnie Odinga.
“I told her, ‘Please Winnie, do not tell me any bad news.’ But she said the bad has happened. My father is no more,” Ruto said. “Those were very difficult moments.”
The President said the news came as a personal and national tragedy.
“Many commentators in the newspapers said this was a big blow to William Ruto,” he acknowledged. “Yes, it was a big blow.”
Ruto revealed that upon receiving confirmation of Raila’s passing, he immediately contacted Raila’s wife, Mama Ida Odinga, and reached out to the Indian government for assistance.
“I must thank the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi — who was a friend of Raila — for putting at our disposal all the support, including military honours,” Ruto said.
The late opposition leader passed away in India, where he had travelled for a medical check-up.
His death sent shockwaves across the country and beyond, prompting 7 days of national mourning.
Thousands of mourners — including ordinary citizens, political leaders, and foreign dignitaries — gathered in Bondo to bid farewell to a man many considered the father of modern Kenyan democracy.
The solemn event marked the conclusion of the official national mourning period for Raila, whose decades-long political career redefined Kenya’s governance and inspired a generation of reformists across Africa.
Among the high-profile attendees 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, in his own tribute, remembered Raila as a “brother, confidant, and co-worker,” while Ruto described him as a man whose legacy transcended politics.
