President William Ruto during the burial of Raila Odinga
BY David Njoroge
President William Ruto on Sunday paid a deeply personal tribute to the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, describing him as his political mentor and a towering figure whose death has left Kenya in mourning.
Speaking during Odinga’s burial ceremony at Kang’o Ka Jaramogi in Bondo, Siaya County, President Ruto said the country was united in grief over the loss of a leader who shaped Kenya’s democratic journey for decades.
“Tears of grief are flowing across the country. The foundations of Kenya are shaken. The soul of our nation is aching because of the demise of Raila Odinga, the people’s president,” said Ruto.
The President reflected on his long relationship with Odinga, recalling that they first met after he was elected Eldoret North MP in 1997. “I can confidently say that Raila was a political engineer, and among his many students was yours truly, William Ruto,” he said. “I am proud that a man he mentored is today Kenya’s president.”
He said that his return to Bondo was not merely a homecoming; it was the embrace of a grateful Republic bidding farewell to one of its greatest sons, a patriot who devoted his life to the cause of justice, democracy, and the enduring unity of our beloved Kenya.
Ruto said he never feared the outcome of the 2022 general election, noting that either way, the country would have been led by one of Odinga’s political protégés. “It did not matter to me what the outcome of the 2022 presidential election would be, because either Raila Odinga was going to win, or his political student, William Ruto,” he said.
The President praised Odinga’s enduring influence on Kenya’s politics, saying his leadership transcended rivalry and laid the groundwork for unity and national dialogue. “Many political commentators said Raila’s death is a big blow to Ruto. Yes, it is a big blow,” he admitted. “But we must uphold his legacy of unity, democracy, and progress.”
Ruto also acknowledged Odinga’s role in shaping Kenya’s multiparty system and urged members of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) to keep the party strong ahead of the 2027 general election. “ODM must be strong as we go to 2027. The future of ODM matters a great deal to me. ODM will either form the government or be part of the government,” he said.
He lauded Odinga’s contribution to national development and expressed pride that Odinga lived to see one of his protégés occupy the presidency. “I am very proud that Raila is resting when a man he mentored is the president of Kenya,” Ruto said.
Citing recent economic gains, Ruto credited Odinga’s partnership and the leadership of Finance Minister John Mbadi — a longtime ODM stalwart — for helping stabilise the economy. “I am very proud that Baba and I made Mbadi the finance minister. Today, inflation has come down to four per cent from nine per cent, and our interest rates have dropped,” he said.
Raila Odinga, who died on Wednesday last week while receiving treatment in India, was laid to rest on Sunday at his father’s home in Kang’o Ka Jaramogi. His burial capped a week of national mourning that saw Kenyans from across the political divide pay tribute to one of the country’s most influential and enduring leaders.
