Kisii Governor Simba Arati
By Kimberly Kalusi
Kisii Governor Simba Arati on Sunday shared emotional details of the days leading up to former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s departure for medical treatment in India, revealing President William Ruto’s personal involvement in facilitating the trip.
Speaking during Raila’s final funeral service at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology in Bondo, Arati recounted a private conversation that underscored the unity and concern shown across political lines during Raila’s illness.
Arati said that about a week before Raila left for India, the ODM leader had requested his wife’s phone number. “They spoke and agreed that he would instead travel to China for treatment,” the governor recalled.
However, according to Arati, a conversation with President Ruto changed those plans. “After meeting with the President, he told me, ‘We cannot gamble with the life of our brother Raila Odinga. I’m giving a plane tomorrow to take Raila to India,’” Arati narrated to a somber crowd.
He praised President Ruto’s gesture as one of compassion and leadership that transcended political rivalry. “That act alone showed that beyond politics, humanity must come first,” Arati said.
The governor described Raila as a selfless statesman whose influence reached far beyond politics, adding that his passing had united the nation in grief and reflection.
