Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga reveals President Ruto’s role in late Raila Odinga’s medical evacuation

 

By Phanice Rono 

Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga has disclosed that President William Ruto personally facilitated the late Raila Odinga’s medical evacuation to India, offering full support to the Odinga family from the onset of Raila’s illness until his passing.

Speaking at a funeral service held at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) in Bondo, Oburu expressed gratitude to the President for his unwavering assistance.

“I want to thank His Excellency the President, who stood with us right from the moment I informed him that Raila was ill. We sat together, planned, and he agreed,” said Oburu.

He added that President Ruto arranged the flight that took Raila to India for treatment and consistently checked on his condition throughout the medical care.

“He organized the transport for Raila’s treatment in India and kept a vigil, frequently inquiring about his health. On the day Raila passed, I was the first to call him to report the critical condition,” Oburu revealed.

Oburu also appreciated the President’s help in repatriating Raila’s body and supporting the funeral arrangements.

“All these responsibilities were overwhelming for the family. I don’t know if I could have managed such a large gathering on my own. Thank you, Your Excellency,” he said.

Following Raila’s death on October 15, President Ruto deployed senior government officials and leaders to India to assist in bringing the body back to Kenya.

The former Prime Minister will be laid to rest at his Kang’o ka Jaramogi home in Bondo, Siaya County, beside his father, the late Jaramogi Oginga Odinga.

Though Raila and Ruto have historically been political rivals, Oburu’s remarks highlighted a rare moment of cooperation and compassion between the two leaders.