ODM hails Raila Odinga as towering statesman, vows to continue his fight for justice and democracy
Party Secretary General Edwin Sifuna said, despite the loss, the movement will continue to champion the values and democratic ideals Odinga fought for throughout his political life.
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party has urged its members to remain united and reflect on the life and legacy of their late leader, Raila Odinga, as the party begins planning his funeral arrangements in consultation with the family.
Odinga died on Wednesday at the age of 80 in the Indian city of Kochi, where he had been receiving treatment for an undisclosed condition. He reportedly suffered cardiac failure during his morning walk on the hospital grounds.
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In a statement, Party Secretary General Edwin Sifuna said, despite the loss, the movement will continue to champion the values and democratic ideals Odinga fought for throughout his political life.
“The party and the entire country are in deep shock following the news. On behalf of the party, I send my condolences to family, friends, party members and the millions across the world, to whom the Rt Hon Odinga was a beacon of hope in a world filled with despair,” Sifuna said.
He described the late ODM leader as a towering statesman whose influence on Kenya’s politics spanned more than three decades.
“The Rt Hon Odinga has been the leading political figure in this nation for at least three decades, at whose feet democratic ideals have been nurtured and political careers grown. He will remain a true giant of our nation and a darling in the hearts of Kenyans, for his unwavering fight for justice and firm stand on freedom for all,” he said.
He urged ODM members to remain calm and united as the country mourns, promising that the party, in conjunction with the family, would keep the public informed on funeral arrangements.
“While we process this adverse news and await further updates, I urge all party members to observe the tenets of unity and rally together as we reflect on the life and times of our leader, a man who has been a mentor and father to all, hence the moniker, ‘Baba’. We shall be providing regular updates in conjunction with the family as Baba’s funeral rites are planned,” Sifuna said.
“May Baba’s soul find deserving rest in heaven.”
The ODM statement came as day-to-day normal operations were disrupted in several parts of the country, including Kisumu, Bondo, Migori, and Kibra, where thousands of mourners took to the streets to grieve the loss of the former Prime Minister.
His death has sent shockwaves across the country, with scenes of grief witnessed from Nairobi to Nyanza. In many regions, businesses were shut down, and traffic came to a standstill as mourners poured into the streets carrying twigs, waving ODM flags and chanting songs in his honour.
Police have heightened security nationwide, with Inspector General Douglas Kanja convening an emergency meeting of senior officers before proceeding to State House for a National Security Council session chaired by President William Ruto.
Following the meeting, President Ruto and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki visited Odinga’s Karen residence to condole with the family, accompanied by senior government officials and politicians.
In his address to the nation from State House, Ruto announced that Kenya would observe seven days of national mourning, during which flags would fly at half-mast across the country and at all Kenyan missions abroad.
“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,” Ruto said.
“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.”
The President confirmed that Odinga will be accorded a state funeral with full honours, in consultation with his family.
Describing Raila Odinga as “Kenya’s foremost statesman and one of Africa’s greatest sons,” Ruto paid tribute to his lifelong pursuit of justice, freedom and democracy.
“Raila Odinga’s name will forever be etched in the story of our republic, a story of struggle, sacrifice, courage, rule of law, hope and pursuit of excellence,” he said.
He lauded the former Prime Minister’s central role in Kenya’s Second Liberation and the 2010 Constitution, saying, “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.”
A special committee co-chaired by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Senator Oburu Odinga has been set up to coordinate funeral arrangements. Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi will lead a government delegation to India to oversee the repatriation of Mr Odinga’s remains.
Ruto urged Kenyans to remain peaceful and united as they honour the legacy of a man whose influence shaped generations.
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