World Affairs

President Ruto Comforts Ruth Odinga, Sister To The Late Former Kenyan Prime Minister, Raila Odinga.

In a poignant display of national unity amid grief, Kenyan President William Ruto extended a comforting embrace to Ruth Odinga during the funeral proceedings for her brother, the late Raila Odinga. This moment, captured in photographs and shared widely across social media platforms, symbolized a temporary bridging of political divides in Kenya following the passing of one of the country's most influential figures. Raila Odinga, who served as Kenya's Prime Minister from 2008 to 2013, died on October 15, 2025, at the age of 80 while undergoing medical treatment in Kerala, India. His death marked the end of an era for Kenyan politics, where he had been a towering presence for decades as a champion of democracy and reform.

The Context of Raila Odinga's Passing

Raila Amolo Odinga was born on January 7, 1945, in Maseno, in what was then the Colony and Protectorate of Kenya. He rose to prominence as a key opposition leader, often clashing with successive governments in his pursuit of multiparty democracy and devolution. His political career included multiple presidential bids, with his final attempt in 2022 seeing him as the runner-up to William Ruto in a closely contested election. In recent years, Odinga shifted focus to continental affairs, serving as the African Union High Representative for Infrastructure Development until 2023 and running unsuccessfully for the African Union Commission Chairperson in February 2025.

Odinga's health had been a concern in his later years. He was in India seeking treatment for conditions including diabetes, hypertension, and chronic kidney disease when he suffered a fatal cardiac arrest during a morning walk at the Sreedhareeyam Ayurvedic Eye Hospital and Research Centre. News of his death spread rapidly, eliciting tributes from leaders across Africa and beyond. President Ruto himself described Odinga as a "veteran" and a pivotal figure in Kenya's democratic journey, highlighting his contributions despite their past rivalries.

The repatriation of Odinga's body on October 16, 2025, via a specially designated Kenya Airways flight, drew massive crowds to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi. Mourners gathered in large numbers, leading to temporary disruptions at the airport as emotions ran high. This outpouring of grief set the stage for the funeral events that followed, where political figures from various factions came together to honor his legacy.

The Comforting Gesture at the Funeral

The funeral of Raila Odinga, held in Kisumu, his political stronghold, became a focal point for national mourning. Amid the solemn ceremonies, President Ruto was seen consoling Ruth Odinga, Raila's sister and a notable political figure in her own right. Ruth, who has served as a member of parliament and is known for her advocacy in Kisumu County, appeared visibly emotional as she received condolences from the head of state.

Images from the event show Ruto, dressed in a dark suit, embracing Ruth Odinga in a heartfelt hug, with other family members and dignitaries nearby. This act of compassion was particularly noteworthy given the historical tensions between Ruto and the Odinga family. Raila Odinga had been a fierce opponent to Ruto's administration, leading protests and challenging policies on issues like economic reform and governance. Yet, in this moment of loss, Ruto's gesture underscored a message of reconciliation and shared humanity.

Social media platforms buzzed with reactions to the scene. Posts on Instagram, Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter) described it as a "touching moment" and a sign of maturity in Kenyan politics. One widely shared image captured Ruto offering words of comfort, with captions emphasizing unity in grief. Ruth Odinga later expressed gratitude for the support extended to the family, including from other leaders like former President Uhuru Kenyatta, who remained with them after the burial.

Ruth Odinga's Role and the Odinga Family Legacy

Ruth Atieno Odinga, often referred to as "Mama Ruth," has been an integral part of the Odinga political dynasty. As the sister of Raila and the late Fidel Odinga (Raila's son who passed away in 2015), she has carved out her own path in Kenyan politics. She previously served as the Deputy Governor of Kisumu County and has been vocal on issues affecting women and marginalized communities. Her presence at the forefront of the mourning process highlighted the family's resilience and continued influence.

The Odinga family, rooted in the legacy of Raila's father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga (Kenya's first Vice President), has long been synonymous with opposition politics in Kenya. Raila's death leaves a void, but figures like Ruth ensure that the family's advocacy for equity and justice persists. In interviews following the funeral, Ruth spoke of her brother's unwavering commitment to Kenya, urging the nation to carry forward his vision for a more inclusive society.

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