- President William Ruto narrated how he first received news of Raila’s death through a message from his brother, Oburu Oginga, indicating his health had deteriorated
- The head of state then sought confirmation from those who had accompanied Raila to India about his condition
- Minutes after 7:00 am on Wednesday, October 15, President Ruto received the dreaded call from Raila’s daughter, Winnie Odinga
President William Ruto has shared a detailed account of how he learned about the passing of former prime minister Raila Odinga.
Source: UGC
Speaking at Raila’s burial ceremony held at his rural home in Bondo, the head of state recounted the emotional morning when he first received word of the late politician’s deteriorating health.
How did William Ruto learn about Raila’s death?
According to President Ruto, at around 6:40 am on Wednesday, October 15, he received a WhatsApp message from Raila’s brother, Oburu Oginga, informing him that Raila’s condition had worsened and he was in critical condition.
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Having spoken to Raila the previous night, Ruto was surprised and asked Oburu what had happened, as the former ODM party leader had seemed well during their last conversation.
Concerned, the president immediately reached out to associates of Raila who were with him in India and familiar with his condition.
Both contacts reassured him that Raila was doing well, providing a temporary sense of relief.
Oburu then called again, suggesting that Raila may have passed away, though his message was not conclusive.
However, the dreaded bad news came minutes later when Raila’s daughter, Winnie Odinga, called President Ruto.
“Winnie called me, and at first, I told her, ‘Don’t tell me any bad news,’ but of course, she said the bad news had happened: ‘my father is no more’. Those were very difficult moments,” he shared, grief etched in his face.
The president then revealed that he began consulting with the family to liaise with the Indian government to ensure Raila received the respect he deserved, including military honours.
Watch the video below:
All you need to know about Raila Odinga’s death
Source: Twitter
Why was the flag draped on Raila’s casket removed?
Before the casket was lowered into the grave, the Kenyan flag that had been draped on it since repatriation was carefully removed.
It was handed to his wife, Ida, as a gesture of gratitude for Raila’s service to the nation.
In an exclusive interview with TUKO.co.ke, a military officer explained why Raila was not buried with the flag.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
