Kenya will accord former Prime Minister Raila Odinga a State funeral, President William Ruto announced on Wednesday from State House, Nairobi.
A seven-day period of national mourning begins immediately, during which all official engagements are suspended and flags across government offices, State House, military installations, and diplomatic missions abroad will fly at half-mast.
"I have declared a seven day period of national mourning, during which the national flag shall fly at half mass across the Republic of Kenya and in all our missions abroad. As a mark of respect, I have postponed all my public engagements for the coming days, and I ask all other public servants and leaders to do the same so that we can join the nation in this period of mourning and deep reflection. Our former prime minister, Raila Amolo Odinga shall be accorded a state funeral with all attendant honors in consultation with the family," Ruto said on Wednesday as he addressed the nation from State House, Nairobi.
A special committee has been set up to oversee all funeral arrangements. It will be co-chaired by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Senator Oburu Odinga ( Raila's brother) to ensure coordination between the government and the family.
Ruto also annoucned that The Government of India will assist in returning Raila’s remains, with a delegation led by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi leaving immediately to organize the repatriation.
Raila passed away on Wednesday morning in India, where he had been receiving medical care.
Turning to the nation’s grief and Raila’s lifelong achievements, President Ruto described him as “Kenya’s foremost statesman and one of Africa’s greatest sons,” noting his unwavering commitment to justice, freedom, and empowerment of the marginalized.
“Raila Amolo Odinga’s name will forever be aged in the story of a republic, a story of struggle, sacrifice, courage, rule of law, hope and of our pursuit for excellence,” he said, highlighting the former Prime Minister’s central role in Kenya’s Second Liberation and the adoption of the 2010 Constitution.
“He was a colossus of Kenya’s modern politics, an indomitable warrior in our struggle for freedom and prosperity, and a statement of boundless selflessness," President Ruto added.
He extended his condolences to the Odinga family: “On behalf of a grateful nation, I extend my deepest condolences to Mama Ida, his children, Rosemary, Raila Junior, and Winnie, the entire Odinga family, led by my brother Oburu Odinga, to the leadership and members of Orange Democratic Movement, and to all Kenyans who share in this immense and immeasurable loss.”
President Ruto concluded by urging Kenyans to reflect on Raila’s life: “As we mourn, I call on all Kenyans to reflect on his towering legacy and the lessons imparted by the Right Honorable Raila Odinga’s life work, ideas, and example. May his soul rest in eternal peace.”