Ruto: Raila Odinga was the people’s president
By Faith Lagat, October 19, 2025President William Ruto has described the late former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga as the people’s president, acknowledging his unmatched influence in Kenya’s political landscape.
“Wengi walijaribu kuniambia ya kwamba Raila hakukua rais kwa hivyo heshima yake ishushwe chini kidogo, mimi nikawaambia hata kama hakuwa rais, he was the people’s president, na kwa hivyo apatiwe heshima ya kutoshana na rais,” William Ruto said.
His remarks drew emotional reactions from mourners gathered to bid farewell to the veteran opposition leader.
Ruto spoke during the funeral service at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology in Siaya County on Sunday, October 19, 2025, where he paid tribute to Raila’s enduring legacy.
He highlighted Raila’s role in shaping Kenya’s democratic journey and fostering unity across political divides. The president’s words underscored the deep respect and recognition Raila commanded, even from his former political rivals.
Also watch: Raila Odinga as Prime Minister: Achievements and friction with Kibaki.
Political Bond and Mentorship
The president revealed that after the 2022 General Election, he met Raila privately and promised to correct past injustices against him. He described the late opposition leader as his teacher in politics, saying their visions for Kenya were closely aligned.
“I got to know Raila Odinga when I was elected as the MP for Eldoret North in 1997. I can confidently say that Raila was a political engineer, and among his many students was yours truly, William Ruto. I am proud that a man he mentored is today Kenya’s president,” Ruto said.
Ruto recounted how their mentorship shaped his career, emphasising the deep bond formed over decades. He added that the 2022 election outcome was immaterial to him personally, given their shared trajectory.
“I was not worried, and 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,” Ruto stated. “The contest was between a teacher and his student. Had Raila won that election, I would have won too, because his plans on housing, health, education and agriculture were the same as mine.”
ODM’s role in government
Ruto said that a few months after the election, he reached out to Raila to offer him support and inclusion in government. “Mimi nashukuru Mungu kwamba katika safari hii ya siasa, alinipa nafasi ya kujumuisha chama cha ODM katika serikali ya Kenya. And I am very proud that today, ODM is part and parcel of the government,” he said.
The president expressed pride in ODM’s role within the Kenya Kwanza administration, noting that Raila gave no conditions for cooperation. Together, they agreed to appoint John Badi as Kenya’s first Finance Minister from Nyanza.
Legacy and future commitments
“Today inflation has dropped from 9.6 per cent to 4 per cent, and the exchange rate has improved from 165 to 129. These are results of our joint effort,” Ruto said.
He promised to keep ODM strong, calling political parties the foundation of democracy. “The future and strength of ODM matter a great deal to me,” he said. “By God’s grace, ODM will either form the next government or be part of it.”
Siaya Governor James Orengo urged Ruto to honour the 10-point agreement signed between ODM and UDA in March 2025. ODM Deputy Party Leader Godfrey Ososti echoed the call, asking the president to ensure the agenda is fully implemented by March 2026, as Raila had wished.
Throughout his eulogy, Ruto blended personal reflections with policy achievements, underscoring the alliance forged under Raila’s guidance and the impact it has had on governance and development.