NAIROBI, Kenya — President William Ruto has revealed that King Charles III of the United Kingdom sent an official message of condolence following the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, describing him as a principled leader committed to democracy and the welfare of ordinary people.
In a statement issued on Thursday, President Ruto said the message was delivered at State House, Nairobi, by the United Kingdom’s Chargé d’Affaires, Ed Barnett, two months after Odinga’s death.
According to the President, King Charles expressed a deep sense of personal and national loss, extending his condolences to the family of the late Odinga and to the people of Kenya.
“The King notes that he had known the Rt Hon Raila Odinga for his steadfast leadership, willingness to build democratic consensus, open-mindedness, and deep concern for the plight of ordinary people,” Ruto said.
Raila Odinga, a veteran opposition leader and former prime minister, was a central figure in Kenya’s political life for more than four decades, playing a key role in the country’s struggle for multiparty democracy, constitutional reform and electoral accountability.
During the meeting, President Ruto and the UK envoy also reviewed the state of bilateral relations between Kenya and the United Kingdom, which have strengthened in recent years following the signing of a strategic partnership in July.
Ruto noted that trade volumes between the two countries have grown significantly, rising from £1.3 billion (Sh224 billion) to £2 billion (Sh345 billion), reflecting expanding cooperation in trade, investment and development.
Barnett reaffirmed the UK’s support for Kenya’s economic and infrastructure agenda, including the establishment of the proposed National Infrastructure Fund. The fund is intended to mobilise long-term financing for major development projects across the country.
According to the President, the UK has offered to provide technical experts to work with Kenyan authorities in setting up the fund, which is expected to play a central role in financing critical infrastructure.
One of the flagship projects to be supported through the fund is the Nairobi Railway City, a joint Kenya–UK programme aimed at transforming the capital into a modern, green, and integrated transport hub.
The project seeks to redevelop the area around Nairobi’s railway station into a mixed-use district that combines transport infrastructure with commercial, residential and public spaces, aligning with Kenya’s broader urban renewal and climate goals.
Ruto said the engagement underscored the depth of historical ties between Kenya and the United Kingdom, as well as shared interests in democratic governance, economic growth and sustainable development.
The condolence message from King Charles adds to a series of tributes from regional and international leaders following Odinga’s death, highlighting his enduring influence beyond Kenya’s borders and his long-standing relationships with global political figures.
