President William Ruto has announced the passing of Kenya’s former Prime Minister and veteran opposition leader, Raila Amolo Odinga, describing him as “one of Africa’s greatest sons.”

In a statement from State House, Nairobi, on Wednesday, October 15, President Ruto said it was with “deep sorrow” that he informed the nation of Raila’s death, noting that the country, the continent, and the world had lost a “giant of democracy, a fearless freedom fighter, and a tireless warrior of good governance.”

Raila, who served as Kenya’s second Prime Minister from 2008 to 2013, was widely regarded as a key architect of Kenya’s democratic reforms.

A Titan of Democracy and Reform

President Ruto hailed Raila’s lifelong dedication to justice, equity, and freedom, highlighting his numerous sacrifices for the nation’s democratic progress.

“For decades, Raila dedicated his life to the pursuit of justice, equity, and freedom. He endured detention and persecution so that this nation might know and enjoy democracy,” Ruto said.

He described the late ODM leader as a “once-in-a-generation leader whose ideals transcended politics and whose legacy will shape the destiny of Kenya for generations to come.”

Ruto added that Raila’s unwavering commitment to reform gave birth to the rights and freedoms Kenyans now cherish, noting that his voice spoke for the oppressed and his vision inspired generations.

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Seven Days of National Mourning

In honour of Raila’s contributions, President Ruto declared a seven-day period of national mourning, during which the national flag will fly at half-mast across the country and in all Kenyan missions abroad.

He also announced that the former Prime Minister would be accorded a state funeral with full honours, underscoring Raila’s monumental role in shaping Kenya’s modern political landscape.

“As a mark of respect, I have postponed all my public engagements for the coming days to join the nation in this period of mourning and deep reflection,” Ruto said.

State Funeral Committee and Repatriation Plans

Ruto revealed that a joint funeral committee has been established to coordinate the arrangements, co-chaired by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga, Raila’s elder brother.

The President also confirmed that the Government of India had offered to facilitate the repatriation of Raila’s remains.

A delegation led by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, accompanied by family members and senior government officials, was immediately dispatched to India to oversee the process.

Other members of the delegation include Mama Ida Odinga, Cabinet Secretaries Kipchumba Murkomen (Interior) and Hassan Joho (Mining), National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, Minority Leader Junet Mohamed, and family representatives Jaoko Oburu Odinga and Kevin Opiyo Oginga.

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A Call for Unity and Reflection

President Ruto called on Kenyans to honour Raila’s legacy by embracing unity and shared purpose, saying, “Let us come together, as he always urged us to do, not as rivals, but as brothers and sisters bound by a shared destiny.”

He urged citizens to reflect on the values that defined Raila’s life, principle, patriotism, and selflessness, adding that at critical moments in Kenya’s journey, “he always put Kenya first before individual interest.”

“May his soul rest in eternal peace. May God comfort his family. May God bless Kenya,” the President concluded.

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Raila Odinga speaking at previous ODM event. PHOTO/NA