By Hope Barbra
Mama Ida Odinga and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi have left the country for India to coordinate the arrangements and repatriation of the body of former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga.
President William Ruto announced that the delegation would depart immediately, confirming that the Kenyan government had held discussions with the Indian authorities regarding the repatriation process.
“Fellow citizens, it is with deep sorrow that I inform the nation of the passing on of the Right Honourable Raila Amolo Odinga, our former Prime Minister and Kenya’s foremost statesman. One of Africa’s greatest sons, Raila Odinga was a giant of democracy — a fearless freedom fighter and a tireless warrior for good governance,” said President Ruto in his address to the nation.
“Raila’s name will forever be etched in the story of our republic as a tale of struggle, sacrifice, courage, the rule of law, and an unwavering pursuit of justice. For decades, he dedicated his life to the fight for equity and freedom, enduring detention and persecution so that our nation could know and enjoy democracy,” he added.
The President described Raila as “a once-in-a-generation leader, a man whose ideals transcended politics and whose legacy will shape Kenya’s destiny for generations to come.”
“He was a towering figure in our democratic landscape — a patriot of uncommon courage, a Pan-Africanist, and a unifier who sought peace and national unity above power and self-interest. In his passing, Kenya has lost a servant of the people who gave his all to the promise of a better nation,” Ruto said.
President Ruto announced a seven-day national mourning period during which the national flag will fly at half-mast across the country. He also declared that Raila Odinga will be accorded a state funeral with full honors.
“In honor of Raila’s extraordinary contribution to our nation, I have postponed all my public engagements during the mourning period,” he stated.
A national funeral committee has been formed to oversee the arrangements, co-chaired by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Siaya Senator Dr. Oburu Oginga.
At Kenya’s request, the Government of India has offered to facilitate the repatriation of Raila Odinga’s remains. The Kenyan delegation, comprising government officials and family members, departed immediately for India to oversee the process.
