Kenyan embassies and high commissions around the world will from Friday open condolence books for the late former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga, allowing citizens living abroad and members of the international community to pay their respects.
According to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, the books will be available for signing from October 17 to October 22 in all Kenyan diplomatic missions globally.
The ministry said the move gives Kenyans and foreign dignitaries a chance to honour Odinga’s life and leadership as the country continues to mourn his death.
The statement further noted that the ministry is coordinating the repatriation of Odinga’s body from India and overseeing the arrangements for visiting leaders and members of the diplomatic corps expected to attend his State Funeral.
A condolence book will also be open at the State Department of Foreign Affairs in Nairobi for envoys and international representatives to sign.
President William Ruto has already declared a period of national mourning to last until sunset on the day of Odinga’s burial. He will be laid to rest with a State Funeral, complete with full military honours and official state protocols.
During this mourning period, national flags will be flown at half-mast in all public institutions and Kenyan missions abroad. The directive also prohibits the display of flags on official vehicles until after the burial.
“The nation will observe a period of national mourning from today until sunset on the day of his interment,” the statement read in part. It further noted that full state honours and military traditions will be observed as the country bids farewell to one of its most influential leaders.
The Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs added that it continues to work closely with other government departments to ensure all logistical plans and formalities related to Odinga’s final journey are carried out smoothly.