Ruto Declares 7 Days of Mourning for Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga

President William Ruto has declared seven days of national mourning to honor the late Former Minister Raila Odinga.

While addressing the nation from the State House on October 15, President William Ruto described Raila Odinga as a pioneer of Kenyan politics and a steadfast champion of democracy.

He said Raila championed the reforms that Kenyans hold dear and that his vision helped shape the course of the country’s history.

President William Ruto has declared a seven-day period of national mourning following the death of former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga.

During this time, the National Flag will fly at half-mast across Kenya and at all diplomatic missions abroad.

“In honour of Raila Odinga, I have declared 7 days of Mourning,” Ruto said.

As a mark of respect, President Ruto announced the suspension of all his public engagements to join Kenyans in mourning and reflection.

He started that Raila Odinga will be accorded a state funeral with full honours. 

Raila Odinga, the former Prime Minister of Kenya, passed away on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at an Ayurvedic eye hospital and research center in Koothattukulam, Ernakulam district, Kerala.

He died at 80 years old.

According to reports, he suffered cardiac failure during his morning walk on the hospital campus.

To coordinate the arrangements, a joint committee co-chaired by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga has been established.

Additionally, the government of India, at Kenya’s request, will facilitate the repatriation of Raila’s remains.

A delegation led by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi — and including Mama Ida Odinga, Cabinet Secretaries Kipchumba Murkomen and Hassan Joho, National Assembly leaders Kimani Ichung’wah and Junet Mohamed, and family representatives — has departed for India to oversee the process.

In his address, President Ruto described Raila as “a beacon of courage, a tower of principle, and a father of our democracy,” urging Kenyans to unite in honour of his legacy and reflect on his life’s enduring lessons.

Ruto hailed him as a once-in-a-generation leader — a giant in Kenya’s democratic landscape and a true statesman.

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