President William Ruto has announced a seven-day national mourning period for the late Raila Odinga, during which the Kenyan flag will be flown at half-mast in honour of the former Prime Minister who died on Wednesday morning in India.
Addressing the nation from the State House Nairobi, Ruto announced that the former Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader will be accorded a state funeral with all attendant honours.
“We have lost one of Africa’s greatest leaders, a giant of democracy, a fearless fighter, and a tireless warrior of good governance,” Ruto said.
“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 our pursuit for excellence.”
Ruto described Odinga as a patriot who dedicated his life to the pursuit of justice in Kenya, and whose ideals transcended politics.
“As a mark of respect, I have postponed all my public engagements for the coming days to join the nation in this period of mourning and deep reflection,” he said.
He also issued a presidential proclamation to this effect, further directing that all top Kenyan government officials and diplomats abroad shall not fly the national flag on their official cars from Wednesday until the day of Odinga’s interment.
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At the same time, the President announced that the Indian government had offered to facilitate the repatriation of Odinga’s remains at the request of Kenya.
A committee organising the former PM’s burial will be led by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Odinga’s elder brother, Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga.
“A delegation comprising government officials and family members, led by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, is leaving immediately for India to facilitate proper organisation in the repatriation,” Ruto added.
“In his passing, we have lost a patriot of uncommon courage, a pan-Africanist, a unifier who sought peace and unity above power and self-gain,” Ruto said in his State House address, “an unceasing servant of the people who gave his all for the promise of a better Kenya.”
Born on January 7, 1945, in Maseno, Kisumu, he was the son of Mary Juma Odinga and Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, Kenya’s first vice president under President Jomo Kenyatta.
Until his demise, Raila Odinga dedicated his all adult life to the service of our nation. He remained steadfast in the pursuit for democracy and good governance, playing a pivotal role in shaping Kenya’s Modern political history.
He has left behind an indelible mark in the face of Africa and World at large as the father of democracy.
By Juma Ndigo
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