Raila Odinga’s elder brother, Siaya Senator Dr. Oburu Oginga, has revealed that President William Ruto was fully aware of the late former Prime Minister’s illness and personally facilitated his travel to India for treatment.
Speaking on Sunday during the national funeral service at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) in Bondo, Siaya County, Oburu said the President’s support to the Odinga family began long before Raila’s death.
He disclosed that when Raila’s health started to deteriorate, the family held a private meeting with President Ruto to discuss the best medical intervention for the veteran politician. It was during this meeting, Oburu said, that the President offered to pay for Raila’s flight to India to ensure he received the best possible care.
“I want to thank His Excellency the President, who has stood with us right from the moment Raila got unwell. When Raila was sick, we sat down, all three of us, and agreed that he would seek treatment. The President paid for the ticket that took Raila to India,” Oburu said.
The Siaya Senator further revealed that President Ruto maintained constant communication with the family throughout Raila’s treatment abroad, frequently checking on his condition and progress.
“I want to tell you that the President kept a vigil and kept asking how Raila was doing during his treatment. The day Raila died, I was the first to call him and inform him of what had happened,” Oburu added.
He praised the President for taking a personal interest in ensuring Raila received dignified medical attention and a well-organised state funeral, describing Ruto’s actions as a gesture of true humanity.
“The President organised everything. All these arrangements would have been too heavy for us as a family,” Oburu said, appreciating the government’s logistical and financial support during the mourning period.
His revelation came as several leaders and mourners lauded the unity displayed between the government and the Odinga family throughout the national mourning period.
Meanwhile, Senator Oburu urged President Ruto to promote Raila’s security team in recognition of their loyalty and service, especially during the final days of the former Prime Minister’s life and the funeral arrangements.
Raila Odinga passed away on October 15, 2025, while undergoing treatment in India. He was 80 years old.
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