The absence of First Lady Rachel Ruto at the funeral of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has sparked widespread speculation among Kenyans following the sombre proceedings in Bondo, Siaya County.
President William Ruto arrived at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University grounds shortly before noon, accompanied by former President Uhuru Kenyatta and former Nigerian leader Olusegun Obasanjo. But as the cameras panned across the presidential dais, one conspicuous figure was missing.
Online chatter quickly picked up the absence of the First Lady, with some Kenyans wondering if her nonattendance signalled a private reason or a protocol decision.
At 1pm, Rachel Ruto appeared to address the curiosity indirectly, sharing a photograph on her social media pages.
The image showed her signing the condolence book at State House Nairobi, with a message that read, “Fare thee well, Right Honourable Raila Amolo Odinga, E.G.H.”
Her post confirmed she had chosen a quieter form of tribute, away from the public ceremony that drew thousands.
Sources close to the Office of the First Lady said Rachel Ruto had been instrumental in the funeral arrangements, particularly in supporting Mama Ida Odinga in the difficult days following Raila’s death.
She was among the first to visit the Odinga family after the tragic news broke. H.E Rachel also attended the State Funeral at Nyayo Stadium alongside the President.
Her absence in Bondo, therefore, appears less an omission and more a reflection of the private mourning that has marked her role throughout the week.
