Kenya has been thrown into seven days of mourning following the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga on Wednesday morning. 

While making a Presidential Proclamation with respect to the death of Raila, President William Ruto said the former statesman will be accorded a state funeral, complete with military honours and the "attendant State protocols,"

The President added that in the intervening days before Raila's burial, "the flag of the Republic of Kenya shall be flown 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 of the Republic of Kenya."

Additionally, the President has directed senior government officials including the Deputy President, Cabinet Secretaries and Speakers of Parliament not to fly the national flag on their official motor vehicles "until sunset of the day of his interment."

Raila, 80, died at 9.52am on Wednesday in the compound of Sreedhareeyam Ayurvedic Eye Hospital and Research Centre when he suffered a heart failure while taking a morning walk in the company of his daughter, personal doctor and a security detail. 

The hospital's spokesperson stated: “He experienced some breathing difficulties and collapsed. He was provided CPR, on the spot and having seen some sign of recovery, he was rushed to the nearest modern hospital. Despite repeated efforts by the medics, his condition deteriorated and the doctors were unable to save him.”

According to President Ruto, Kenya has lost "the father of our democracy, a tireless champion for social justice," who was instrumental in shaping "Kenya's modern political history. Raila will be remembered for his role in the birth of multiparty democracy in 1991 as well as the realization of the new constitution in 2010.

"In his passing, our nation, our continent, and our world have lost a titan of conscience, a visionary of uncommon resolve, and a defender of the defenseless whose legacy will illuminate Kenya's democratic path for all time," added Dr. Ruto.

Tributes from across the world

Trubutes to Odinga family and the country continue to stream in from across the world. Some of the notable people who have condoled with the country are the African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, former President Uhuru Kenyatta as well as India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“On behalf of the Government of Ethiopia, I extend my sincere condolences on the passing of former Kenyan Prime minister Raila Odinga. May he Rest In Peace," stated Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.

Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), Mahmoud Ali Youssouf said he has learned of Odinga's death with sadness, adding: “Mr. Odinga’s contributions extended far beyond national borders. As the African Union High Representative for Infrastructure Development in Africa, he worked tirelessly to advance the continent’s integration and connectivity agenda, helping to lay the foundations for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and broader socio-economic transformation."

The AU Chairperson, who beat Raila to clinch the position in last year's election, added: “Africa has lost one of its most visionary sons; a leader who dedicated his life to the pursuit of justice, democracy, and unity. His legacy will continue to inspire our collective efforts to build a peaceful, prosperous, and democratic Africa.”

Uhuru: At some point, we became political opponents

On his part, retired President Uhuru Kenyatta mourns Raila stating: "My heart is heavy, and my spirit is burdened with a grief that is both profound and deeply personal. The news of Raila’s passing has left a silence that echoes across our nation, a silence where once there was a voice of thunder and conviction," stated Kenya's fourth President Uhuru Kenyatta, who threw his weight behind Raila Odinga in the 2022 General Elections.

"To me, Raila was more than a political colleague; he was a defining part of my own journey, in public service and in life. Raila and I were navigators on opposing currents, charting different courses for the nation we both loved. At some point along that journey, we became political opponents and often, the weight of that competition felt immense," added Uhuru.

Special affection for India

"He was a towering statesman and a cherished friend of India. I had the privilege of knowing him closely since my days as Chief Minister of Gujarat and our association continued over the years. He had a special affection for India, our culture, values and ancient wisdom. This was reflected in his efforts to strengthen India-Kenya ties. He particularly admired Ayurveda and traditional medicine systems of India, having witnessed their positive impact on his daughter's health," Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on X.

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