Raila to be accorded a State Funeral, Ruto announces
Ruto described him as “Kenya’s foremost statesman and one of Africa’s greatest sons,” highlighting his lifelong commitment to justice, freedom, and the empowerment of the oppressed.
Kenya is set to honour the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga with a State funeral, President William Ruto announced on Wednesday.
Speaking while addressing the nation from State House, Nairobi, President Ruto said Kenya enters seven days of mourning, during which all official engagements are suspended and flags across the country, including at State House, government offices, military bases, and diplomatic missions, will fly at half-mast.
More To Read
- Cardiac arrest explained: The 'silent killer' reportedly behind Raila Odinga's death
- Key dates in Raila Odinga's political journey
- What President Ruto announced ahead of Raila Odinga's burial
- Raila Odinga's love for Gor Mahia and Arsenal: The statesman who lived, breathed football
- Negotiating peace: Raila Odinga’s influence in Kenya and the region
- President William Ruto leads World in paying tribute to Raila Odinga
"I have declared a seven-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. 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 owners in consultation with the family," Ruto said
Raila passed away in India on Wednesday morning, where he had been receiving medical care.
Ruto described him as “Kenya’s foremost statesman and one of Africa’s greatest sons,” highlighting his lifelong commitment to justice, freedom, and the empowerment of the oppressed.
“Raila 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.
The late leader’s influence on Kenya’s political landscape was profound.
From his early career as a university lecturer to serving in Parliament, holding ministerial positions, leading the opposition, and eventually becoming Prime Minister, Raila Odinga consistently championed democratic reforms and the welfare of ordinary Kenyans.
He played a central role in Kenya’s Second Liberation and the adoption of the 2010 Constitution, leaving a legacy that reshaped the nation.
President Ruto praised Raila’s extraordinary dedication: “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.”
He also extended condolences to the 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.”
A special committee, co-chaired by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Senator Oburu Odinga, has been established to coordinate funeral arrangements.
The Government of India, responding to Kenya’s request, will assist in repatriating Raila Odinga’s remains.
“A delegation comprising government officials and family members, led by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, is leaving immediately for India to ensure proper organisation in the repatriation of the remains of our brother, Raila Odinga,” the President confirmed.
President Ruto concluded by urging all Kenyans to honour Raila’s enduring contributions: “As we mourn, I call on all Kenyans to reflect on his towering legacy and the lessons imparted by the Right Honourable Raila Odinga’s life work, ideas, and example. May his soul rest in eternal peace.”
Top Stories Today
