Frontier Correspondent
President William Ruto has declared a seven-day national mourning period for former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, whose death in India sent shockwaves across Kenya and the continent.
In a somber address to the nation, Ruto described Odinga as “a statesman who dedicated his life to democracy, justice, and the unity of our country.”
The national flag will fly at half-mast throughout the mourning period, and Odinga will be accorded a full state funeral in recognition of his decades-long struggle for democratic reform.
Odinga, affectionately known as Baba, passed away on October 12 at the age of 80 following a cardiac arrest during a morning walk at the Sreedhareeyam Ayurvedic Eye Hospital and Research Centre in Kerala, India.
The President’s directive calls for subdued public activities and reflection on Odinga’s enduring legacy, as the country comes to terms with the loss of one of its most influential political figures.
Global Leaders Pay Tribute to a Pan-African Icon
Tributes have poured in from across the world, honoring Odinga as a towering champion of democracy and African unity.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi led global condolences, calling Odinga “a towering statesman and a cherished friend of India,” and pledged India’s full support in repatriating his remains from Kochi.
Across Africa, leaders echoed the sentiment. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa hailed him as “a fearless advocate for democracy whose legacy will endure.” Somalia’s Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Zambia’s Hakainde Hichilema, and Djibouti’s Ismail Omar Guelleh all praised his lifelong fight for justice and good governance.
Closer to home, Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, and former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta mourned Odinga as “a brother, ally, and patriot.”
Family and State Delegation En Route to India
A Kenya Airways flight departed Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on Wednesday, carrying Odinga’s family, including his wife Ida and brother Oburu Odinga, alongside over 30 senior government officials led by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi. The delegation will accompany Odinga’s remains back to Kenya, expected to arrive Friday ahead of the state funeral.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki will chair the State Funeral Organizing Committee, tasked with coordinating the elaborate ceremonies befitting Odinga’s stature as a five-time presidential contender and architect of Kenya’s multiparty democracy.
Nairobi Unrest Amid National Grief
While grief has largely united the nation, isolated incidents of unrest were reported in Nairobi’s Central Business District on Wednesday, where looters targeted shops amid the emotional turmoil. Police used tear gas to disperse crowds, restoring calm after several hours. Authorities attributed the chaos to public shock and frustration but reported no casualties or arrests.
Elsewhere, scenes of unity and mourning unfolded peacefully. Thousands have gathered at Odinga’s Opoda Farm in Siaya County, where supporters, elders, and community leaders are holding vigils under acacia trees. Women ululated in traditional Luo fashion as night fell, honoring the man many credit with transforming Kenya’s democratic landscape.
Nation Pauses: Parliament and Sports Suspend Activities
The Senate will hold a special sitting Thursday to eulogize Odinga, with Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot and other legislators expected to pay tribute to his lifelong dedication to devolution and human rights.
In solidarity, the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has suspended all league fixtures during the mourning period. “Football unites us, but today our hearts are heavy,” said FKF President Nick Mwendwa. “We stand with the Odinga family and the nation in this moment of sorrow.”
A Nation Reflects on Baba’s Enduring Legacy
As Kenya bows its head in collective grief, the seven-day vigil serves not only as farewell but as reflection on Raila Odinga’s unfinished dream of a more just and equitable society.
From Nairobi’s bustling streets to Siaya’s quiet fields, the message is the same: Agwambo’s light may have dimmed, but his fight for democracy, dignity, and justice will burn on.