President William Ruto, on Friday, December 12, led Kenyans in a moment of silence in honour of the late Raila Odinga during the Jamhuri Day celebrations at Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi.
In his address, President Ruto invited Kenyans to observe a minute of silence to remember the former Prime Minister.
“I now respectfully urge all of us to join me in observing a one-minute silence in honour and remembrance of the honorable Raila Amolo Odinga and honour his sacrifice, service, and enduring legacy,” Ruto stated.
The stadium fell into silence for several seconds before President Ruto continued with his speech.
The Head of State remembered Raila as a leader who devoted his life to the pursuit of freedom, justice, and peaceful coexistence.
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“Raila devoted his life to the pursuit of freedom, justice, and peaceful co-existence. His courage, resilience, and unwavering belief in the power of the people shaped defining chapters of our national story and inspired generations to believe that change is possible,” Ruto added.
Meanwhile, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja asked President Ruto to rename the 60,000-seater Talanta Stadium to Raila Odinga International Stadium.
“Next year, this celebration will take place at the new Talanta Stadium along Ngong Road. As the people of Nairobi, we request the President to name the stadium 'Raila Odinga International Stadium' to honor our departed father,” Sakaja stated.
The late Raila passed away on October at the age of 80 after suffering a cardiac arrest during a morning walk at an Ayurvedic treatment facility in Kochi, India.
He was laid to rest on Sunday, October 19, at his ancestral home in Kang’o Ka Jaramogi, Bondo, Siaya County.
Raila was buried with his trademark hat and fly whisk, iconic items that defined his image throughout his political journey.
The private burial ceremony was attended by Raila’s immediate family, including his wife, Mama Ida Odinga, and children Rosemary Odinga, Raila Odinga Jr., and Winnie Odinga.
His siblings, Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga, Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga, and Wenwa Akinyi Odinga, were also present.
The former Prime Minister was laid to rest within 72 hours in accordance with his wishes.
He was also accorded a state funeral, full military honors, including a 17-gun salute by the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF).
