NAIROBI, Kenya- The Government has announced plans to permanently archive condolence messages received from around the world following the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, in a move aimed at safeguarding his legacy for future generations.
Speaking on January 30 2026, at the Odinga family home in Karen, Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs Dr Korir Sing’oei said that messages from governments, international organisations, institutions, and individuals have been compiled, bound into official volumes, and will be housed in key national repositories.
These include the Kenya National Archives, Kenya National Library Service, the Foreign Affairs Library, and the Foreign Affairs Gallery at Uhuru Gardens, where they will be accessible to researchers and the public.
“This compilation is intended for posterity for the family, the nation, and future generations,” Dr Sing’oei said, presenting the volumes to Odinga’s widow, Mama Ida Odinga.
Kenya to Archive Global Condolences Honouring Raila OdingaThe Government of Kenya has announced plans to permanently preserve condolence messages received from around the world following the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, in a move aimed at safeguarding his legacy
Highlighting Odinga’s global stature, the Principal Secretary noted that the tributes reflect his pivotal role in Kenya’s democratic journey and his influence across Africa.
The messages, he said, spoke to Odinga’s lifelong commitment to justice, democracy, and African solidarity, describing him as a leader whose ideals resonated internationally.
In a related initiative, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced plans to establish an annual Raila Odinga Conference, which will bring together diplomats, scholars, and policy practitioners to discuss issues of democracy, governance, and diplomacy.
The government is also working with the Odinga family to develop a museum at their ancestral home in Bondo, commemorating his life and legacy.
During the ceremony, Dr Sing’oei also congratulated Mama Ida Odinga on her nomination as Kenya’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), pending parliamentary approval.
She is set to replace Ababu Namwamba, who has been reassigned as Kenya’s High Commissioner to Uganda.
The ceremony was attended by senior international representatives, including Zainab Hawa Bangura, Secretary-General and Director-General of the United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON); Eritrean Ambassador Beyene Russom; Palestinian Ambassador Hazem Shabat; Ambassador Josphat Maikara; former Minister Raphael Tuju; Presidential Advisor Prof Makau Mutua; and senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Dr Sing’oei expressed gratitude to the diplomatic corps and international partners for their support during the national mourning period, noting that the global condolence messages underscored the high regard in which Odinga was held.
