President William Ruto on Sunday delivered a deeply emotional eulogy for the late former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga, describing him as his teacher, friend and former boss, during the state funeral held at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) grounds in Bondo, Siaya County.
Speaking before a crowd of thousands — among them dignitaries, diplomats, and citizens from across the country — President Ruto paid glowing tribute to Raila, acknowledging his immense contribution to Kenya’s democracy and development.
“I knew Raila had made huge sacrifices for this Nation,” Ruto said. “He was a man whose political courage shaped the soul of our democracy. I told him once that his story must be re-written — not as a man of opposition, but as a statesman who gave his all for Kenya.”
“Baba Believed in Strong Political Parties”
Ruto, who worked under Raila during the Grand Coalition Government (2008–2013), praised the late ODM leader for his unwavering belief in political organization and ideological discipline.
“Because Baba believed in political parties, I want to promise today that I will help to safeguard the strength and wellbeing of ODM,” Ruto declared to resounding applause.
“It’s only through strong parties like ODM that we can maintain the democratic fabric of our nation. Either ODM will form the Government, or be part and parcel of it.”
The President also revealed that both he and Raila had agreed to appoint Suba South MP John Mbadi to lead key government economic programs — a move he said had helped bring inflation down and stabilize Kenya’s economy.
“I am very proud of the decision we made,” Ruto said. “Raila believed in building strong institutions and a resilient economy. That spirit will continue.”
A Friendship Beyond Politics
The President recounted his final meeting with Raila before the ODM leader travelled abroad for treatment.
“Baba called me to his Karen home,” he narrated softly. “We spoke for hours. He told me he wanted to go abroad for medical care — and I fully supported him. We even planned to come back and open an investment conference in Siaya together. Sadly, that never happened.”
Ruto disclosed that when he received the heartbreaking call from Raila’s daughter, Winnie Odinga, informing him of Baba’s death, it was “a very big blow.”
“It was a very difficult moment — not just for me, but for the entire nation. I thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the people of India for the care and assistance they accorded Baba during his treatment.”
Protecting Raila’s Vision
The President promised to uphold Raila’s unfinished agenda for Kenya, including massive infrastructure expansion and energy projects they had discussed together.
“We agreed to pursue the addition of 10,000 megawatts of power, and the extension of the Standard Gauge Railway from Siaya to Malaba through Kericho and Rironi,” Ruto revealed.
“We also spoke of reaching out to former President Uhuru Kenyatta to work together for an economy that uplifts the ordinary Kenyan.”
“Baba Was the People’s President”
Ruto disclosed that some government officials had opposed plans to accord Raila a full state funeral, but he stood firm.
“Some said we should not have a state funeral, but I told them Baba was the people’s president,” he declared to thunderous cheers.
As the solemn event drew to a close, Ruto assured the Odinga family that Raila’s legacy would live on, both in government policy and through those who worked closely with him.
“I will look after the people who walked with Baba,” he said, making special mention of Raila’s dedicated bodyguard, Maurice Ogeta. “Their service to him is service to Kenya.”
Raila Odinga was then laid to rest in a private family ceremony at his father’s home, Kang’o Ka Jaramogi, in Nyamira village, beside his late father, Ajuma Jaramogi Oginga Odinga.
The nation mourns not just a politician, but a visionary whose influence transcended generations — and as President Ruto aptly put it, “a man whose story will forever be intertwined with the soul of Kenya.”
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