Raila’s memorial: Ruto and Uhuru’s notable absence
President William Ruto and former President Uhuru Kenyatta were notably absent from the first anniversary memorial service of the late Raila Odinga in Bondo. The event highlighted the complex political history between the three leaders, spanning from past rivalries to recent political cooperation.
Why it matters
The absence of these key political figures signals ongoing shifts in Kenya's political landscape and the evolving nature of the broad-based government coalition.
President William Ruto visits former President Uhuru Kenyatta at his Gatundu home on December 9, 2024. Photo/PCS President William Ruto and his predecessor Uhuru Kenyatta were conspicuously absent from the first anniversary memorial service of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga at Migwena Cultural Grounds in Bondo, Siaya County, on Thursday.
Their absence drew attention given their complex political relationships with Raila, marked by fierce rivalry, unexpected alliances and political cooperation that shaped Kenya's political landscape until his death on October 15, 2025.
Uhuru and Raila were bitter political opponents during the 2017 General Election, which Raila challenged at the Supreme Court after Uhuru, then deputised by Ruto, was declared the winner.
The two later surprised the country on March 9, 2018, when they publicly embraced on the steps of Harambee House in Nairobi, signalling a political truce that became known as the “handshake”.
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