Bondo, Siaya County — President William Ruto has offered a rare and deeply personal glimpse into the final days of Raila Amolo Odinga, describing private conversations, medical struggles, and the government’s efforts to honour the late former Prime Minister’s final wishes.

Speaking at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology during a state funeral on Sunday, October 19, Ruto recounted a series of intimate moments that painted Raila not just as a political icon, but as a man confronting mortality with quiet strength.

“He Told Me, William, I’ll Be Back on Tuesday”

Ruto revealed that Raila, long admired for his resilience, had travelled widely seeking medical care before settling on India, where he ultimately died.

“He had visited Dubai and the United States, and they told him some things about his health,” Ruto said. “After he came back, his doctors administered more medicines to him.”

The president said he had planned to meet Raila upon returning from an official trip to New York, only to learn that the opposition leader had travelled to Malindi on his doctors’ advice.

“When I called him, he told me, ‘William, I have gone to Malindi as per doctors’ advice. I’ll be back on Tuesday.’ I told him okay,” Ruto recalled.

A Meeting in Karen and a Difficult Decision

That Tuesday, the two men met at Raila’s Karen home. Ruto said Raila appeared frail but was in good spirits, surrounded by his daughter Winnie, wife Ida, and a few close family members.

“He told me he was struggling healthwise,” Ruto said. “I urged him to seek the best medical attention at the government’s expense.”

Ruto added that Raila initially considered travelling to Germany or China before settling on India, where he had long-time friends. “We facilitated everything the former Prime Minister wanted,” he said.

When reports from India indicated that Raila’s condition had stabilised, Ruto said they had even begun making plans for him to attend an event at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Stadium in Siaya. “We thought Baba was okay,” Ruto said softly. “He called many people saying he was fine.”

“It Looks Like Baba Has Left Us”

Ruto’s voice grew heavy as he described the moment he learned of Raila’s death.

“On my way to the office, I received a text from Oburu (Odinga) saying Raila was not well. I wondered how, since he had said he was fine,” Ruto said. “A few minutes later, Oburu called again and told me, ‘It looks like Baba has left us.’ That was just after 7 a.m.”

Ruto said the confirmation came moments later from Raila’s daughter. “It was a very difficult moment,” he said.

Winnie Odinga’s Quiet Strength

The president paid tribute to Winnie Odinga, describing her as an anchor in her father’s final journey.

“Winnie was there through it all,” Ruto said. “She was steadfast, strong, and ensured that Raila was comfortable and dignified to the very end.”

He also praised the Odinga family for their composure and cooperation as the government worked to repatriate Raila’s body and prepare a funeral befitting his stature.

Honouring Raila’s Final Wishes

Ruto disclosed that Raila had expressed a desire to be buried within 72 hours — a wish that posed logistical challenges, especially in coordinating transport and state honours.

“The government faced some resistance from those who wanted to lower Raila’s status,” Ruto said. “But I refused. Raila Odinga was The People’s President — and that is how we honoured him.”

As the crowd in Bondo listened in silence, Ruto’s words carried a rare tenderness — a moment where political rivalry gave way to shared humanity. Raila Odinga’s life had been one of defiance, resilience, and service. In his death, even his greatest political opponent seemed moved by the man behind the legend.