State House, Nairobi: Kenya’s President, H.E. William Samoei Ruto, Wednesday declared seven days of national mourning following the death of former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga, who he described as a “pioneer of Kenyan politics” and a “steadfast champion of democracy.”
Speaking in a televised afternoon address at State House, Nairobi, on October 15, President Ruto said Raila Odinga’s vision shaped Kenya’s democratic journey and the reforms that Kenyans enjoy today.
“In honour of Raila Odinga, I have declared seven days of mourning,” Ruto said, adding that the National Flag will fly at half-mast across the country and at all diplomatic missions abroad.
During the mourning period, the President announced the suspension of all public engagements to join Kenyans in reflection.
Raila Odinga will be accorded a state funeral with full honours. A joint committee, co-chaired by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga, has been established to coordinate funeral arrangements.
Raila Odinga passed away on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at an Ayurvedic eye hospital and research centre in Koothattukulam, Ernakulam district, Kerala, India. He was 80 years old. Reports indicate he suffered cardiac failure during his morning walk on the hospital campus.
Kenyan media reported that the government of India will facilitate the repatriation of Raila’s remains, and the country’s delegation, led by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and including Mama Ida Odinga, Cabinet Secretaries Kipchumba Murkomen and Hassan Joho, National Assembly leaders Kimani Ichung’wah and Junet Mohamed, and family representatives, had already departed for India to oversee the process.
President Ruto hailed Raila as a “beacon of courage, a tower of principle, and a father of our democracy,” urging all Kenyans to unite in honouring his legacy and reflect on his life’s enduring lessons.
“He was a once-in-a-generation leader – a giant in Kenya’s democratic landscape and a true statesman,” the President added.
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