Obasanjo Reveals How He Brokered Historic Ruto–Raila Deal That Changed Kenya’s Politics

Bondo, Kenya — Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has revealed intimate details of how he helped mediate the deal that brought together President William Ruto and the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga in early 2024 — a moment he says reshaped Kenya’s political destiny.

Speaking at Raila’s state funeral at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) in Bondo on Sunday, Obasanjo recalled a pivotal February meeting in Mombasa where he sat between the two rivals. It was, he said, “a day that changed the course of Kenya’s politics.”

“In February last year, I sat with Raila and President Ruto in Mombasa,” Obasanjo said softly. “Ruto made space for the opposition in government. It was a pleasant day — not just for Raila and Ruto, but for all Kenyans.”

A Lesson for the Continent

The retired Nigerian leader — one of Africa’s most respected mediators — said the moment held lessons far beyond Kenya’s borders.

“It is a lesson for me, and for all of us in Africa,” Obasanjo told mourners. “A lesson in understanding, tolerance, love, and accommodation — that our nation, our continent, is bigger than any one individual or group.”

He described the agreement as a reflection of Raila’s character: a man who placed peace above pride and country above ambition.

A Friendship Forged in Struggle

Obasanjo’s bond with Raila stretched back over three decades. He first met the Kenyan leader in 1994, when he attended the funeral of Raila’s father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, in Kisumu.

“Raila made that happen,” Obasanjo recalled. “Since then, our friendship only deepened. We worked together for our two countries, for Africa, and for the world. I came to know him very well.”

He described Raila as a man with “a passionate love for his country and for Africa,” adding that this shared vision had sustained their friendship through years of political turbulence.

“I loved his sense of humour,” Obasanjo added, smiling faintly. “No matter how serious things were, Raila would find a way to reduce the tension. I have lost a brother, a friend, a confidant, and a co-worker.”

A Farewell Befitting a Statesman

The state funeral, held under heavy skies in Bondo, marked the end of a week of national mourning for Raila Odinga — a man who for over four decades defined Kenya’s opposition politics and shaped the country’s democratic evolution.

Thousands of mourners filled the JOOUST grounds, among them dignitaries from across the continent. President William Ruto, former President Uhuru Kenyatta, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, Senate Speaker Amason Kingi, and Obasanjo himself were all in attendance.

Obasanjo thanked Ruto for ensuring the send-off reflected Raila’s stature as a national and continental figure.

“Thank you, President Ruto, for making this a great occasion — for Raila’s family, his community, for Kenyans, and for all of Africa,” he said.

As the crowd sang farewell to the man they fondly called “Baba,” Obasanjo’s words lingered — a reminder that the spirit of reconciliation Raila helped inspire was now part of Kenya’s story, and Africa’s.