Oburu Ng’ong’a Oginga, the elder brother of the late Raila Amolo Odinga, has revealed that President William Ruto played a key role in organizing the former Prime Minister’s trip to India for medical treatment.
Speaking during the funeral service held at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST), Oburu, who is also the Senator for Siaya, disclosed that President Ruto personally ensured the late Odinga was flown to India and remained actively involved throughout his treatment.
“I want to sincerely thank His Excellency the President, who stood by us from the moment I informed him about Raila’s illness. He met with us, and together, we agreed on the way forward,” Oburu said.
“He is the one who arranged the flight that took Raila to India for medical care. He was constantly checking on his condition and kept vigil. On the day Raila passed away, I called the President first to inform him that his condition had become critical.”
Oburu also expressed gratitude to President Ruto for supporting the family through the difficult period following Odinga’s passing. He said the President facilitated the return of the body and ensured a dignified send-off.
“All the arrangements would have been overwhelming for the family alone. I honestly don’t know how I would have managed this massive gathering if it had been left entirely to me. Thank you, Your Excellency,” he added.
Following Odinga’s death on October 15, President Ruto dispatched a delegation of over 30 Kenyan leaders including top government officials, political figures, and members of the Odinga family to India to oversee the repatriation of his remains.
The late Raila Odinga will be laid to rest beside his father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, in Kang’o ka Jaramogi village, Bondo, near the elder Odinga’s mausoleum.
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