NAIROBI, Kenya – The government has unveiled the official portrait of the late former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga, which will be used in all condolence messages and official communication across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
Government Spokesman Isaac Mwaura announced the directive, saying the move is part of efforts to standardize state communication and honour Odinga’s immense contribution to the nation.
“All Ministries, Departments, and Agencies are hereby instructed to use the official portrait of the Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga in all messages of condolences on their official channels and platforms of communication,” Mwaura said in a statement.
This is the official portrait of the Rt. Hon Raila Odinga.All Ministries Departments & Agencies are hereby instructed to use it in all messages of condolences in their official channels and platforms of communication.Isaac Mwaura Government Spokesman
He added that the directive takes immediate effect, urging all government institutions to request the portrait from the Office of the Government Spokesman and ensure that official messages reflect “the tone, respect, and decorum befitting national leadership.”
Odinga, who until his death served as the African Union Special Envoy for Infrastructure Development, was a towering figure in Kenya’s democracy and regional peace efforts. The unveiling of his portrait comes as preparations intensify for his state funeral.
A state funeral service will be held on Friday at Nyayo Stadium, expected to attract local and international dignitaries, before the body is moved to his Karen home for an overnight vigil.
On Saturday, the body will be flown to Kisumu for public viewing at the Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium in Mamboleo, and later transported by road to Bondo, Siaya County, for another night.
According to the State Funeral Committee co-chair Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Odinga will be buried on Sunday, October 19, in a private family ceremony conducted under the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) traditions.
Odinga served as Kenya’s Prime Minister between 2008 and 2013 under the Grand Coalition Government and remained a central figure in national politics and governance reform for decades.
