President William Ruto has declared seven days of national mourning following the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who passed away on Wednesday morning while receiving treatment in India.
In a statement from State House, President Ruto described Raila as a towering statesman and patriot, announcing that the mourning period will run from today until the day of his burial.
“In honour of the life and times of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, and on behalf of a grateful nation, I, William Ruto, declare that the country will observe a period of national mourning from today until sunset on the day of his interment,” said the President.
During the mourning period, all national flags will fly at half-mast across the country including at State House, public institutions, military bases, and all Kenyan embassies and missions abroad.
President Ruto also confirmed that Raila Odinga will be accorded a State Funeral with full military honors in recognition of his decades of service and contribution to Kenya’s democracy and unity.
At the same time, the Government of India has offered to facilitate the repatriation of Raila’s body back to Kenya. A special delegation led by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, alongside First Lady Mama Rachel Ruto, Mama Ida Odinga, and Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, is expected to depart for India to oversee the process.
“The government of India, at the request of the government of Kenya, has offered to facilitate the repatriation of the remains of our former Prime Minister,” said President Ruto.
The death of Raila Odinga has plunged the nation into grief, with tributes pouring in from leaders, citizens, and international allies who described him as a relentless advocate for democracy and justice.
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