President William Ruto has declared seven days of national mourning in honour of Kenya’s late opposition leader and former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga, who passed away on Wednesday while receiving medical treatment in India.
In a televised address from State House, Nairobi, President Ruto hailed Odinga as “Kenya’s foremost statesman and one of Africa’s greatest sons — a giant of democracy, a fearless freedom fighter, and a tireless champion of good governance.”
As part of the national tribute, flags will fly at half-mast across the country and at all Kenyan missions abroad. President Ruto also announced that the government will accord Odinga a state funeral, with details to be released in the coming days.
“I have directed that all public engagements be postponed during this mourning period as a mark of respect for a man whose sacrifice and service helped shape our nation’s democratic journey,” Ruto said.
The president’s declaration underscores the profound impact Raila Odinga had on Kenya’s political landscape — a towering figure whose legacy of resilience, reform, and relentless pursuit of justice continues to inspire millions across Africa.
