President William Ruto has announced that the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga will be accorded a state funeral.
Speaking from State House on Wednesday, October 15, Ruto said the government, in consultation with the Odinga family, has constituted a committee to oversee the funeral arrangements.
The team will be co-chaired by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Raila's brother, Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga.
"Our former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga, shall be accorded a state funeral. In consultation with the family, a committee to be co-chaired by the Deputy President Professor Kithure Kindiki and the Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga has been set up to coordinate the funeral arrangements," he said.
Ruto also revealed that the Government of India has stepped in to assist with the repatriation of Raila’s remains, following a formal request from Kenya.
Read More
"At the same time, the Government of India, at the request of the Government of Kenya, has offered to facilitate the repatriation of the remains of our former Prime Minister," he added.
Raila further stated that a high-level delegation, led by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, will travel to India immediately to coordinate the process.
"Consequently, a delegation comprising government officials and family members, led by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, is leaving immediately for India to facilitate proper organisation in the repatriation of the remains of our brother," he further said.
Meanwhile, President William Ruto declared seven days of national mourning following Raila's death.
According to the Head of State, during this period, all flags will fly at half-mast at the State House and all Kenyan diplomatic posts around the world.
"In honor of the right honorable Raila Odinga and his immense contribution to the nation of Kenya, I have declared a 7-day period of mourning across Kenya during which the national flag shall fly at half-mast across the nation and in our missions abroad," he said.
Ruto also revealed that he has postponed all his public engagements for the coming days.
"As a mark of respect, I have postponed all my public engagements for the coming days, and I ask all the other public servants and leaders to do the same so we can join the country in mourning," he added.
Raila passed away on Wednesday morning at the age of 80 at a facility in Kochi, India.
He reportedly suffered a cardiac arrest during a morning walk at an Ayurvedic treatment facility and later pronounced dead.
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta mourned Raila as a towering statesman and a personal friend, reflecting on their shared history, marked by rivalry, reconciliation, and unity of purpose.
He said the news of Raila’s passing had left a deep void in the country and in his own heart.
"My heart is heavy, and my spirit is burdened with a grief that is both profound and deeply personal. The news of Raila’s passing has left a silence that echoes across our nation, a silence where once there was a voice of thunder and conviction," he said.
Uhuru went on to describe Raila as a major influence in his personal and political life, acknowledging their complicated yet meaningful relationship over the years.
"To me, Raila was more than a political colleague; he was a defining part of my own journey, in public service and in life. Raila and I were navigators on opposing currents, charting different courses for the nation we both loved.
"At some point along that journey, we became political opponents and often, the weight of that competition felt immense," he added.
On the other hand, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua mourned Raila as a towering figure in Kenya’s political and democratic journey.
He expressed his sympathy to Raila’s family, recalling the contribution the late leader made to the country’s political landscape.
Gachagua hailed Raila as a giant of democracy and a hero whose legacy will remain etched in Africa’s political history.
"Baba Raila Odinga, may you rest well. To the family, your spouse Mama Ida Odinga and your children, my family and I join you in prayer during this difficult moment. My deepest sympathies to you and to the people of the Republic of Kenya.
"The enigma Baba, the father of our democracy and a formidable hero of Kenya’s 2nd liberation, you stood tall and strong in intellect, knowledge and quest for democracy. You faced brutal regimes’ brutality, you were tortured, jailed, abducted and detained severally for Kenya. When the history of Africa’s Pan-Africanism is written, your chapter as the indefatigable lion of Africa will attract many readers," he said.
Internationally, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi described Raila as a cherished friend of India and a great admirer of its culture and traditions.
"Deeply saddened by the passing of my dear friend and former Prime Minister of Kenya, Mr. Raila Odinga. He was a towering statesman and a cherished friend of India. I had the privilege of knowing him closely since my days as Chief Minister of Gujarat and our association continued over the years," he said.
Modi highlighted Raila’s affection for India and his efforts to strengthen ties between the two nations.
"He had a special affection for India, our culture, values and ancient wisdom. This was reflected in his efforts to strengthen India-Kenya ties. He particularly admired Ayurveda and traditional medicine systems of India, having witnessed their positive impact on his daughter's health. I extend my deepest condolences to his family, friends and to the people of Kenya in this hour of grief," he added.
