NAIROBI, Kenya – Kenya’s former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga will be laid to rest in a State Funeral with full military honours, President William Ruto has announced, marking one of the highest tributes ever accorded to a national leader.
In a Presidential Proclamation issued from State House, Nairobi, on Wednesday, President Ruto said the government will lead the nation in honouring the 80-year-old opposition leader, who passed away earlier in the day while undergoing treatment in India.
“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,” the President said.
The proclamation described Odinga as “the father of our democracy, a tireless champion for social justice, a renowned Pan-Africanist, and a statesman without equal.”
Ruto hailed him as one of the most consequential figures in Kenya’s political history, whose sacrifices and reform efforts “made the country a much better place.”
𝗣𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗜𝗗𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗜𝗔𝗟 𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗖𝗟𝗔𝗠𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡
President Ruto declared a period of national mourning beginning Wednesday until sunset on the day of Odinga’s interment.
During this time, the national flag will be flown at half-mast at all public buildings, military installations, and diplomatic missions in Kenya and abroad.
Senior government officials — including the President, Deputy President, Prime Cabinet Secretary, Chief Justice, Speakers of Parliament, Cabinet Secretaries, and diplomats — have also been directed not to fly the national flag on their official motor vehicles throughout the mourning period.
The President said the directive was “in testimony of the highest esteem in which all Kenyans hold the person and memory of Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga.”
Born on January 7, 1945, Raila Odinga devoted his life to public service and political reform. He served as a Cabinet Minister, legislator, opposition leader, and Kenya’s second Prime Minister from 2008 to 2013 in the Grand Coalition Government.
The proclamation credited Odinga as “the torchbearer in Kenya’s march toward the Constitution of 2010,” describing his leadership as the cornerstone of the nation’s democratic transition.
“As we mourn this immeasurable loss, we recall that his was a voice that fearlessly spoke truth to power, championed reform, and summoned us always to the higher ideals of nationhood,” President Ruto said.
Ruto extended condolences to Odinga’s widow, Mama Ida Odinga, and their children — Rosemary, Raila Junior, and Winnie — praising their resilience and support through decades of public service.
“As we mourn the passing of an icon, we rejoice in the lifelong companionship he enjoyed with his beloved wife and family,” Ruto said. “Our sincere sympathy goes to the entire Oginga Odinga family and to all Kenyans.”
The government said details of the State Funeral, including dates for public viewing and interment, will be announced in due course.
Across the country, flags were lowered and vigils began as Kenyans mourned a man widely regarded as the architect of Kenya’s democratic rebirth.
“Kenya, Africa, and the world have lost a titan of conscience and a visionary of uncommon resolve,” the President said. “May his memory be honoured, and may his example be emulated.”
