NAIROBI, Kenya – Kenya will observe a seven-day period of national mourning following the death of former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga, who passed away in India on Wednesday morning while receiving medical treatment.
President William Ruto made the announcement in a solemn presidential proclamation issued from State House, Nairobi, describing Odinga as “a titan of conscience, a visionary of uncommon resolve, and a defender of the defenceless.”
“It is with profound sorrow and the deepest sense of loss that I discharge my solemn duty to notify 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 said.
Flags to Fly at Half-Mast Nationwide
The President ordered that the Kenyan flag be flown at half-mast across the country and at all diplomatic missions abroad from Wednesday, October 15, until sunset on the day of Odinga’s interment.
This directive applies to State House, public buildings, military installations, naval vessels, and all government offices, as well as Kenya’s foreign missions worldwide.
Additionally, senior state officials — including the President, Deputy President, Prime Cabinet Secretary, Chief Justice, Cabinet Secretaries, and Speakers of Parliament — will not fly the national flag on their official motor vehicles during the mourning period.
President Ruto also announced that Raila Odinga will be accorded a State Funeral with full military honours and that all relevant State protocols will be observed in recognition of his service to the nation.
𝗣𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗜𝗗𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗜𝗔𝗟 𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗖𝗟𝗔𝗠𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡
Nation Mourns ‘Father of Democracy’
Born on January 7, 1945, Raila Odinga devoted his entire adult life to Kenya’s struggle for democracy, social justice, and constitutional reform.
President Ruto hailed him as “the father of our democracy, a tireless champion for social justice, a renowned Pan-Africanist, and a statesman without equal.”
Odinga’s long political career spanned decades — from his days as a university lecturer and Member of Parliament to his tenure as Cabinet Minister, Opposition leader, and Kenya’s second Prime Minister from 2008 to 2013.
“Raila Odinga’s name is etched indelibly in the annals of our Republic’s journey towards greater freedom, democracy, and prosperity,” President Ruto said. “His was a voice that fearlessly spoke truth to power and championed reform.”
The President said Odinga’s pivotal role in the passage of the 2010 Constitution immortalised him as a “torchbearer in Kenya’s march toward a people-centred constitutional order.”
Tributes and Condolences
Ruto extended his condolences to Mama Ida Odinga, their children Rosemary, Raila Junior and Winnie, and the wider Odinga family.
“As we mourn the passing of an icon, we rejoice in the lifelong companionship he enjoyed with his beloved wife, Mama Ida Odinga,” he said. “Our sincere sympathy goes to his family and to all Kenyans.”
The Head of State praised Odinga’s humility, courage, and commitment to Kenya’s progress, saying his example would continue to inspire future generations.
“In his passing, our nation, our continent, and our world have lost a leader whose legacy will illuminate Kenya’s democratic path for all time,” Ruto said.
State Funeral Arrangements
The government is expected to announce the date of the State Funeral once consultations with the Odinga family are concluded.
During this period, all flags will remain at half-mast, and national mourning will continue until sunset on the day of his burial.
“May Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga’s family be comforted, may his memory be honoured, and may his example be emulated,” the President concluded.
