Olushola Omogbehin
Following the death of Kenyan opposition leader, Raila Odinga, President William Ruto has declared seven days of national mourning in his honour and described him as a “pioneer of Kenyan politics” and a “steadfast champion of democracy.”
Raila passed away on the morning of Wednesday, October 15, after suffering a cardiac arrest during a morning walk in India.
Speaking in a televised afternoon address at State House, Nairobi, on October 15, President Ruto said Raila Odinga’s vision shaped Kenya’s democratic journey and the reforms that Kenyans enjoy today.
“In honor of the life and times of the former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, and on behalf of the grateful nation, I William Ruto, under the authority vested in me as the President of the Republic of Kenya, declare that the nation will observe a period of national mourning from today until sunset of the day of his interment,” the President said.
During the mourning period, all flags will fly at half-mast at State House and all Kenyan diplomatic missions, public buildings and public grounds, all military bases, posts, and stations on all naval vessels in any territory that is considered the Republic of Kenya.
Meanwhile, a joint committee, co-chaired by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga, has been established to coordinate the funeral arrangements.
Raila Odinga died on Wednesday, October 15, 2025 at an Ayurvedic eye hospital and research centre in Koothattukulam, Ernakulam district, Kerala, India. He was 80 years old.
