Speaking on Saturday night during the ODM Founders Dinner in Mombasa, President Ruto told guests that his final meeting with Raila was held months before the former Prime Minister passed away.
According to Ruto, the two leaders sat together to talk about how Kenya could finally break away from the “third-world” status it has been stuck in for decades.
Ruto explained that this was not a casual meeting. Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o and Japanese economist Professor Hiroyuki Hino were also present to help guide the conversation.
“The last meeting I had with Baba—Nyong’o was there, Hino was there—we were discussing how to move Kenya from a third-world country to a first-world country,” Ruto revealed.
“We said Kenya has gone through too many struggles. Baba explained why countries like South Korea are ahead of us and the steps we must take to catch up.”
Ruto added that Raila came prepared, laying out ideas, examples, and international comparisons.
At one point, Kisii Governor Simba Arati and his team also joined the session, allowing the leaders to exchange thoughts freely.
Since Raila’s funeral, Ruto says he has maintained communication with Governor Nyong’o, who is helping draft a framework based on the ideas discussed in that last meeting.
The President noted that they agreed on several key areas that Kenya must focus on if it hopes to make the jump to a first-world nation.
One of the major points raised was energy production. Ruto said they talked about generating at least 10,000 megawatts to support industries, homes, and large-scale development.
According to him, Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi has already been given instructions to begin shaping this plan.
Ruto also mentioned infrastructure as another sector they agreed must change quickly.
He noted that Kenya needs modern highways, more airports, and at least 10,000 kilometres of new tarmac roads to support growth and attract global investors.
“There are things we agreed to do to move Kenya forward in honour of Raila Odinga,” Ruto said.
Over the last few months, President Ruto has repeatedly spoken about turning Kenya into a first-world country.
He has said the transformation will cost trillions, but the long-term benefits will be worth it.
During a church event last month, he stated that Kenya’s transformation will rely on faith, unity, and a clear development plan.
“We have been in the third world for too long. It is now time, by God’s grace and through our joint efforts, to move this country into first-world status,” he said.
Ruto has consistently argued that Kenya can change its story within a generation if leaders commit to long-term development rather than short-term politics.
The President’s revelations at the ODM Founders Dinner painted a picture of Raila as a man who remained focused on Kenya’s future until the end.
Ruto said the late ODM leader believed Kenya could achieve more if leaders worked together and dropped unnecessary political fights.
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