President William Ruto has mourned the death of former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga, describing him as a giant of democracy, a fearless freedom fighter, and one of Africa’s greatest sons.
In a solemn address from State House, Nairobi, on Wednesday, the President announced Odinga’s passing in India, where he had been receiving medical treatment.
Ruto said Kenya, Africa, and the world had lost a patriot of uncommon courage, a unifier, and a servant of the people who gave his all for the promise of a better Kenya.
“Raila Amolo Odinga’s name will forever be etched in the story of our Republic, a story of struggle, sacrifice, courage, rule of law, and our pursuit of excellence,” President Ruto said.
The Head of State paid tribute to Odinga’s lifelong dedication to democracy, justice, and good governance, recalling his sacrifices during the country’s turbulent political history.
“For decades, Raila dedicated his life to the pursuit of justice, equity, and freedom. He endured detention and persecution so that this nation might know and enjoy democracy,” he said, adding that Odinga’s ideals transcended politics and would shape Kenya’s destiny for generations.
In recognition of Odinga’s immense contribution to the nation, President Ruto declared a seven-day period of national mourning, during which the National Flag will fly at half-mast across Kenya and at all diplomatic missions abroad.
He also announced that Odinga would be accorded a State Funeral with full honours.
A joint funeral committee, co-chaired by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga, will oversee the arrangements.
The President revealed that the Government of India, at Kenya’s request, would facilitate the repatriation of Odinga’s remains.
A high-level delegation, led by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and including family members and senior government officials, was dispatched to India to coordinate the process.
The delegation includes Mama Ida Odinga, Cabinet Secretaries Kipchumba Murkomen and Hassan Joho, National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, Minority Leader Junet Mohamed, and family representatives Jaoko Oburu Odinga and Kevin Opiyo Oginga.
President Ruto said he had postponed all his public engagements to join the nation in mourning and reflection.
“We have lost a beacon of courage, a tower of principle, and a father of our democracy,” he said. “Let us come together, as he always urged us to do, not as rivals but as brothers and sisters bound by a shared destiny.”
He called on Kenyans to honour Odinga’s memory by reflecting on his towering legacy and the lessons imparted by his life, work, and example.
“In a political career spanning decades, Raila Amolo Odinga offered a compelling model of principled politics. At critical moments in our nation’s journey, he always put Kenya before individual interest,” the President added.