Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga has disclosed that President William Ruto personally facilitated the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s final trip to India for medical treatment.
Speaking during a funeral service held at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) in Bondo on Sunday, Oburu revealed that President Ruto had a private discussion with Raila and himself before organizing the airlift.
“I want to thank the President. From the time I told him Raila was sick, you had a discussion with Raila and me, and you provided the plane that took him,” Oburu said.
The Siaya Senator, who is Raila’s elder brother, also expressed gratitude to the government for facilitating the repatriation of Raila’s body from India to Nairobi after his demise.
He paid special tribute to Raila’s longtime aide, Maurice Ogeta, lauding his loyalty and presence until the opposition leader’s final moments. Oburu further disclosed that Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga personally bought her ticket to India to be with Raila, while Winnie Odinga skipped East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) sessions to remain by her father’s side.
The solemn funeral ceremony, attended by President Ruto and several dignitaries, took place at JOOUST in Bondo, where Raila’s body lay in state for final tributes.
Oburu fondly recalled their childhood days in Nyamira, Bondo, describing Raila as a fearless and strong-willed boy who always stood up for what he believed in.
“In school, when teachers disciplined us, we were expected to salute, but Raila always rebelled,” Oburu recounted.
He also reflected on visiting Raila in prison following the 1982 coup attempt, saying, “He just laughed it off, saying it would pass even though he was a death row prisoner.”
