Kenya has entered a period of national mourning following the death of former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga, a towering figure in the country’s political landscape.
President William Ruto announced that the nation will observe seven days of mourning in honour of a man he described as “a giant of our history” and “a colossus of Kenya’s modern politics.”
Odinga, 80, passed away on Wednesday morning while receiving treatment at an Ayurvedic medical facility in Kochi, Kerala, India.
His death has triggered an outpouring of grief across the region and beyond.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, President Ruto said the mourning period would serve as a moment of collective reflection on Odinga’s impact on Kenya’s political evolution.
“In honour of the Right Honourable Raila Amolo Odinga’s extraordinary contribution to our nation, I have declared a 7-day period of national mourning, during which the National Flag shall fly at half-mast across the Republic of Kenya and in all our missions abroad,” the President said.
Describing Odinga’s life as one of sacrifice and national service, Ruto praised him as “a patriot of uncommon courage, a statesman of boundless selflessness, and a warrior in our struggle for freedom and prosperity.”
President Ruto confirmed that Raila Odinga will be granted a state funeral with full honours.
A high-level funeral committee has been established to steer the arrangements, co-chaired by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga.
The government of India has reportedly offered logistical support to facilitate the repatriation of Odinga’s remains back to Kenya.
“On behalf of a grateful nation, I extend my deepest condolences to Mama Ida Odinga; his children, Rosemary, Raila Junior, and Winnie; and the entire Odinga family,” President Ruto said.
He urged citizens to honour Odinga’s lifelong message of unity and collective destiny.
“Let us come together, as he always urged us to do, not as rivals, but as brothers and sisters bound by a shared destiny. May his soul rest in eternal peace. May God comfort his family. May God bless Kenya.”