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President William Ruto has announced that the Kenyan government has dispatch a high-level delegation to India to facilitate the repatriation and burial of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s body following his death in Kerala, India, where he’d been receiving medical treatment.
In an emotional address to the nation, Ruto revealed that Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi will lead the delegation, which includes Cabinet Secretaries Kipchumba Murkomen and Hassan Joho, National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, Minority Leader Junet Mohammed, and members of the Odinga family, including Oburu Odinga’s son Jaoko, Kevin Otieno Odinga, and Odinga’s widow, Ida.
India offers to assist with body transport arrangements
“At the request of the Government of Kenya, the Government of India has offered to facilitate the repatriation of the remains of Raila. A delegation comprising government officials and family members led by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi is leaving immediately for India to facilitate proper organization in the repatriation of the remains of our brother, the Honorable Raila Odinga,” Ruto said.
Multi-million companies, properties owned by Raila Odinga
The president added that Mama Ida herself had decided to join the delegation. “The family has finally decided that she’ll join those who’ll be going to recover the Honorable Raila Odinga,” he said.
The 80-year-old opposition leader and veteran politician died in Kerala, marking the end of an era in Kenyan politics and leaving a void in Africa’s democratic landscape.
Ruto mourns Raila as ‘giant of democracy’
“It’s with deep sorrow that I inform the nation of the passing on of the Right Honourable Raila Amolo Odinga, our former Prime Minister, Kenya’s foremost statesman, and one of Africa’s greatest sons,” Ruto said in his televised address adding that, “Kenya, Africa and the world mourn the passing on of a giant of democracy, a fearless freedom fighter, a tireless warrior of good governance.”
Despite their often contentious political relationship, Ruto paid glowing tribute to his former rival, describing him as a transformative figure whose impact extended far beyond Kenya’s borders. “Raila Amolo Odinga’s name will forever be etched in the story of our republic, a story of struggle, sacrifice, courage, rule of law, hope and of our pursuit for excellence,” the president said.
Ruto praises Odinga’s decades-long fight for democracy
Ruto acknowledged Odinga’s decades-long struggle for democracy and his personal sacrifices, saying:
“For decades, Raila dedicated his life to the pursuit of justice, equity and freedom. He endured detention and persecution so that this nation might know and enjoy democracy. He championed reforms that gave birth to the rights and freedoms we hold dear today. His voice spoke for the oppressed. His conviction inspired generations, and his vision shaped the course of our history.”
The president described Odinga as “truly a once-in-a-generation leader, a man whose ideals transcended politics and whose legacy will shape the destiny of Kenya for generations to come, a giant who towered for decades over our democratic landscape.”
He continued:
“He was a colossus of Kenya’s modern politics, an indomitable warrior in our struggle for freedom and prosperity, and a statesman of boundless selflessness.”
Seven-day national mourning period declared
Ruto announced that Odinga will be accorded a state funeral “with all attendant honors” and declared a seven-day period of national mourning. “The national flag shall fly at half-mast across the Republic of Kenya and in all our missions abroad,” he said.
As a mark of respect, the president said he’d postponed all his public engagements for the coming days. “I ask all other public servants and leaders to do the same so that we can join the nation in this period of mourning and deep reflection,” he added.
A committee co-chaired by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga has been established to coordinate funeral arrangements in consultation with the family.
How educated is Raila Odinga? See his education and life profile
Ruto extends condolences to Odinga family
The president extended condolences to Odinga’s family. “On behalf of our grateful nation, I extend my deepest condolences to Mama Ida, his children, Rosemary, Raila Jr., and Winnie, the entire Odinga family led by my brother, Oburu Odinga, to the leadership and members of Orange Democratic Movement and to all Kenyans who share in this immense and immeasurable loss,” he said.
In closing, Ruto called on Kenyans to honor Odinga’s legacy. “In his passing, we’ve lost a patriot of uncommon courage, a pan-Africanist, a unifier who sought peace and unity above power and self-gain, an unceasing servant of the people, who gave his all to the promise of a better Kenya,” he said.
“Fellow Patriots, we’ve lost a beacon of courage, a tower of principle, and a father of our democracy. Let us come together, as he always urged us to do, not as rivals, but as brothers and sisters bound by a shared destiny.”
