William Ruto Recalls Early Morning Call Informing Him of Raila Odinga’s Death

On October 15, 2025, President William Ruto received a life-changing phone call early in the morning that informed him of the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. In an interview with Taifa Leo, Ruto detailed the moment he was contacted by Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga at 6:30 am while heading to his office.

Oburu, Raila’s elder brother, who humorously calls himself the "youth leader" despite being 83 years old, broke the news by saying, "There is a problem. I think I have lost my brother." Shortly after, Raila’s sister Ruth Odinga also called President Ruto to explain that Raila had exercised that morning but then experienced a rapid health decline that could not be reversed.

Raila had been receiving medical treatment in India, accompanied by his daughter and medical team. President Ruto recalled that just days earlier, he had been given hopeful news that Raila had been discharged from hospital and was resting. The sudden deterioration and passing shocked him deeply.

A Complex Political Relationship

President Ruto reflected on his long and multifaceted relationship with Raila Odinga, which spanned decades of rivalry and collaboration. Initially on opposing sides during the KANU era—Ruto with KANU and Raila with Ford and other parties—they eventually united in the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), working together to build the party.

Despite parting ways politically later, their connection grew stronger in the years leading up to Raila’s death. The two contested the 2022 presidential election, where Ruto won with 7,176,141 votes against Raila’s 6,942,930. Following the 2024 protests, Raila joined the broad-based administration, marking a period of cooperation.

In the last weeks before Raila’s passing, their interactions became more frequent and personal. Raila reached out to Ruto expressing his illness and desire to meet. They held talks at State House Nairobi on the country's future, and Ruto later visited Raila at his home where they shared a meal and discussed Raila’s plans to seek a second medical opinion overseas.

Aftermath and Diplomatic Engagements

Following the news of Raila’s death, President Ruto was actively involved in the repatriation process. He also engaged in discussions with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who personally knew Raila.