President William Ruto has declared seven days of national mourning following the sudden death of Kenya’s former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga.
Raila passed away on the morning of Wednesday, October 15, while in India, where he had been for a routine medical check-up. According to reports, the veteran opposition leader suffered a cardiac arrest during his morning walk.
In a statement released from State House, President Ruto described Raila Odinga as a “patriot, statesman, and true son of Kenya,” whose contribution to the nation’s democracy and unity will be remembered for generations.
“In honor of the life and times of the former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, and on behalf of the grateful nation, I, William Ruto, under the authority vested in me as the President of the Republic of Kenya, declare that the nation will observe a period of national mourning from today until sunset of the day of his interment,” read part of the presidential declaration.
During this mourning period, all national flags will fly at half-mast across the country, at the State House, and at Kenyan diplomatic missions worldwide.
President Ruto further announced that Raila Odinga will be accorded a State Funeral with full military honours and all accompanying state protocols.
“That Prime Minister Raila Odinga shall be accorded a State Funeral, with military honours and the attendant State protocols being rendered and observed,” the President affirmed.
The announcement has sparked a wave of grief across the nation and beyond, with leaders, citizens, and international allies sending condolences to Raila’s family.
Raila Odinga, 79, was a towering figure in Kenya’s political landscape, known for his unwavering fight for democracy, reform, and justice. His passing marks the end of an era in Kenyan politics.
