President William Samoei Ruto has officially announced the death of former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga, describing him as “a titan of conscience, a visionary of uncommon resolve, and a defender of the defenceless whose legacy will illuminate Kenya’s democratic path for all time.”
The announcement was made through a formal Presidential Proclamation issued at State House, Nairobi, following the passing of Odinga earlier on Wednesday morning in India, where he was receiving medical treatment. He was 80 years old.
“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,” the President stated.
Seven-Day Period of National Mourning
President Ruto declared a seven-day period of national mourning during which the national flag will be flown at half-mast across Kenya and in all Kenyan diplomatic missions abroad. The period will run from the date of the proclamation until sunset on the day of Odinga’s interment.
All official motor vehicles belonging to the President, Deputy President, Prime Cabinet Secretary, Chief Justice, Cabinet Secretaries, the Speakers of Parliament, diplomats, and other authorized persons will not fly the national flag during the mourning period.
Odinga will be accorded a State Funeral with full military honours, and the Government will observe all the protocols befitting his position as a former Prime Minister and national leader.
A Life of Service and Sacrifice
Born on 7 January 1945, Raila Amolo Odinga dedicated his entire adult life to the service of Kenya. The proclamation describes him as “the father of our democracy, a tireless champion for social justice, a renowned Pan-Africanist, and a statesman without equal.”
His name is etched indelibly in the annals of Kenya’s journey toward freedom, democracy, and prosperity. As a politician, Odinga was instrumental in the struggle for multi-party democracy, the push for constitutional reform, and the broadening of civic freedoms. His political career spanned roles as a university lecturer, Member of Parliament on both sides of the aisle, Cabinet Minister, de facto Leader of the Official Opposition, and Kenya’s second Prime Minister.
“His was a voice that fearlessly spoke truth to power, championed reform, and summoned us always to the higher ideals of nationhood,” the proclamation notes.
Odinga’s role in Kenya’s Second Liberation and as a torchbearer during the push toward the Constitution of Kenya (2010) is highlighted as one of his most consequential contributions to the Republic.
Family, Faith and National Values
The proclamation also reflects on Raila Odinga’s personal life and values. It describes him as a devoted family man who shared a lifelong companionship with Mama Ida Odinga, his wife, and stood as a pillar for his extended family. He was also remembered as “an avid football enthusiast and an earnest friend to many.”
President Ruto extended his sympathy to Mama Ida Odinga, their children Rosemary, Raila Junior, Winnie, the entire Oginga Odinga family, and all Kenyans.
“As we mourn the passing of an icon, we rejoice in the lifelong companionship he enjoyed with his beloved wife Mama Idah Odinga and his extended family,” the statement reads.
Directives from the President
In honour of Raila Odinga’s life and service, President Ruto issued the following directives:
- A national period of mourning will be observed from the date of the proclamation until sunset on the day of interment.
- A State Funeral with military honours will be accorded to Prime Minister Raila Odinga, with all attendant state protocols observed.
- The flag of the Republic of Kenya shall be flown at half-mast at State House, all public buildings, grounds, military bases, stations, naval vessels, and diplomatic missions, as well as throughout the entire territory of Kenya.
- All designated state officials and institutions shall refrain from flying the national flag on official vehicles during this period.
A Towering Legacy
The proclamation describes Odinga’s role in shepherding Kenya into a new constitutional dispensation as a towering legacy that immortalises him. It affirms that the nation is “undoubtedly a much better place today because of the struggles, sacrifice, leadership, vision, and courage of a son of the soil who never tired in the pursuit of a better Kenya.”
“We honour and remember the values by which he lived — his dignity, diligence, candour, courage, and profound concern for the well-being of all Kenyans.”
Additional reporting by Samuel Ssenono
