NAIROBI, Kenya – President William Ruto on Wednesday morning arrived at the Karen residence of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, where grief and disbelief gripped family members, political leaders, and supporters following Odinga’s death.
The President, accompanied by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, arrived at the Odinga home shortly after 10:40 a.m. to console the family led by Raila’s widow, Ida Odinga.
A sombre mood hung over the residence as mourners thronged the compound, some wailing and carrying twigs in traditional mourning fashion.
Supporters, many in tears, sang dirges and chanted “Baba is dead,” referring to the political icon by his popular moniker.
By mid-morning, several Cabinet secretaries, governors, Members of Parliament, and senior ODM Party officials had gathered at the Karen home.
Raila’s elder brother, Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga, who was in Kisumu at the time of the announcement, was expected to join the family before an official statement is made jointly by the State and the Odinga family.
Hundreds of Nairobi residents also streamed into the compound, with security heightened around the area.
President Ruto is expected to address the nation later today following the passing of the longtime opposition leader and former Prime Minister, who was a towering figure in Kenya’s political landscape for more than four decades.
