President Ruto recounts final moments with Raila at emotional funeral

Speaking at the state funeral service in Bondo, Siaya County, President Ruto described the last one and a half months as "very tough," recalling how Odinga had grown weaker in their final meetings.

“Every time I met him, his voice was hoarse, and he told me he was weak because of certain drugs he was taking,” Ruto said. “I kept in touch with him and followed up on his progress, and we agreed to meet after the UNGA in New York.”

According to the Head of State, the two leaders maintained regular contact even as Odinga's health deteriorated.

After returning from the United Nations General Assembly, Ruto said he was informed that Odinga had traveled to Malindi for rest on his doctors’ advice.

The President also revealed that he later met with the Odinga family for a private dinner at their Nairobi home, where they discussed plans for the veteran politician's future treatment abroad.

“I told him the Kenyan government would facilitate his treatment in India, where he chose to be flown,” Ruto said.

Ruto went on to describe the heartbreaking morning when he discovered Odinga's deteriorating condition.

“That fateful morning, I was on my way to work when Oburu [Odinga] texted me on WhatsApp saying his brother was in critical condition,” he recalled.

“When I reached out to two of the people who had flown with him to India, they said the former Prime Minister was okay. But they did not know.”

Minutes later, the confirmation came.

“Ten minutes later, Oburu told me, ‘It seems our brother has left us.’ He was not conclusive. Then Winnie called…” Ruto said, pausing briefly as emotion filled his voice.

President Ruto expressed deep sorrow over the unexpected turn of events, noting that the news came just days after Odinga had assured friends and colleagues that he was recovering well and preparing to return home.

“It is sad that when we thought he was okay because he had called so many of us to tell us he was strong and had been cleared to return home, things changed for the worse,” Ruto said somberly.

He described Odinga’s death as a personal and national tragedy.

“Indeed, it is a very big blow to me, like some commentators have said in the media,” he added.