Kenya: Ruto Declares Seven Days of National Mourning Following the Death of Raila Odinga

By Samuel Ouma

President William Samoei Ruto has declared a week of national mourning in honor of former Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga, who died early Wednesday morning in India while undergoing medical treatment.

In a heartfelt Presidential Proclamation made at State House in Nairobi, President Ruto said that the nation will observe this mourning period starting today and lasting until sunset on the day of Raila’s burial. During this time, the Kenyan flag will be flown at half-mast throughout the country and at all diplomatic missions around the world.

“It is with deep sorrow and a heavy heart that I fulfill my solemn duty to inform Kenya, Africa, and the world of the passing of The Right Honourable Raila Amolo Odinga, EGH, the former Prime Minister of the Republic of Kenya,” President Ruto expressed in his address.

He referred to the late Odinga as “the father of our democracy, a relentless advocate for social justice, a distinguished Pan-Africanist, and an unparalleled statesman.”

The Kenyan President commended Raila’s unwavering commitment to the progress of Kenya, noting that his legacy will always be a part of the nation’s democratic journey.

“Hon. Raila Odinga’s name is forever inscribed in the history of our Republic’s quest for greater freedom, democracy, and prosperity,” Ruto stated. “He was a voice that boldly spoke truth to power, advocated for reform, and continually inspired us to strive for the higher ideals of nationhood.”

The proclamation also mentioned that Raila Odinga will receive a State Funeral with full military honors and all the accompanying state protocols.

Government officials, including the President, Deputy President, Prime Cabinet Secretary, Chief Justice, Cabinet Secretaries, and Speakers of both Houses, will refrain from displaying the national flag on their official vehicles until the day of the burial.

Born on January 7, 1945, Raila Odinga devoted over fifty years to serving the public. He played a key role in Kenya’s Second Liberation, the movement that brought multiparty democracy to life in the 1990s.

Throughout his career as a Member of Parliament, Cabinet Minister, Leader of the Opposition, and later as Kenya’s second Prime Minister from 2008 to 2013, Raila earned deep respect for his tenacity, passion for reform, and steadfast commitment to justice and equality.

President Ruto acknowledged Raila’s lasting impact on Kenya’s political and social landscape, highlighting his crucial involvement in the adoption of the 2010 Constitution.

“Kenya is undoubtedly a much better place today because of the struggles, sacrifices, leadership, vision, and courage of a son of the soil who never tired in the pursuit of a better Kenya,” Ruto remarked.

The President also expressed his condolences to Raila’s widow, Mama Ida Odinga, his children Rosemary, Raila Jr., and Winnie, as well as the entire Odinga family.

“May Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s family find comfort; may his memory be cherished; and may his legacy inspire others,” the President concluded.