It's State funeral for 'man who championed reform, pursuit of justice', says Ruto

President William Ruto on Wednesday mourned former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who died at the age of 80 while undergoing treatment in India, as a giant of democracy, a fearless freedom fighter and a tireless warrior of good governance. 

Ruto, who addressed the nation from State House, Nairobi, after condoling with Raila’s family at their Karen home, said that for decades, Raila dedicated his life to the pursuit of justice, equity, and freedom enduring detention and persecution so that this nation might know and enjoy democracy. 

Flanked by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga, Raila's elder brother, Ruto said Raila championed reforms that gave birth to the rights and freedoms which Kenyans hold dear, speaking for the oppressed, while his conviction inspired generations and his vision shaped the course of our history.

“Raila Amolo Odinga is truly a once-in-a-generation leader; a man whose ideals transcended politics and whose legacy will shape the destiny of Kenya for generations to come. A giant who towered for decades over our democratic landscape,” said Ruto.

The President said Raila would be accorded a state funeral with all attendant honours and that, in consultation with the family, a committee to be co-chaired by the Kindiki and Oburu has been set up to coordinate the funeral arrangements.  

Ruto said in a political career spanning decades, Raila offered a compelling model of principled politics at critical moments in Kenya's nation’s journey, putting Kenya first before individual interest and that other Kenya leaders should learn from this great patriot who has rested.

Ruto said the government of India, at the request of his government, has offered to facilitate the repatriation of the body and a delegation comprising government officials and family members, led by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, had left for India.

“Other members of the delegation are Mama Ida Odinga, Cabinet Secretaries Kipchumba Murkomen (Interior) and Hassan Joho (Mining), National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichungwah, Minority Leader Junet Mohamed, and family members, Jaoko Oburu and Kevin Oginga among others,” said Ruto.

The President said Raila, who was his fierce rival in the last General Election before they embraced each other in the so-called "broad based government", was a colossus of Kenya’s modern politics, an indomitable warrior in our struggle for freedom and prosperity, and a statesman of boundless selflessness.

He said in Raila’s death, Kenya has lost a patriot of uncommon courage, a Pan-Africanist, a unifier who sought peace and unity above power and self-gain; an unceasing servant of the people who gave his all for the promise of a better Kenya.

In honour of Raila’s extraordinary contribution to the nation, Ruto declared a seven-day period of national mourning, during which the national flag would fly at half-mast.

“As a mark of respect, I have postponed all my public engagements for the coming days to join the nation in this period of mourning and deep reflection, as we mourn. I call on all Kenyans to reflect on his towering legacy and the lessons impacted by Raila Odinga’s life, work, ideas and example,” said Ruto.

The President was scheduled to start his tour of Ukambani yesterday morning.

According to the programmed, Ruto was expected to land at Kwa Siku in Mwingi West and commission tarmac works for Kwa Siku - Migwani - Mbondoni road before flying to Kitui East to commission Zombe - Mwitika road. Later in the day, the President was to launch the construction of another road in Machakos county. 

But the news of Raila's death threw the plan into confusion in the morning even as people mobilised to welcome the Head of State made their way to Kwa Siku. 

By 10am, Mwingi West MP Charles Nguna of Wiper, who was to host the President after announcing his allegiance to Kenya Kwanza government, was not aware if the tour was still on.

Not long after, the crowd was told to disperse without being given specific details.

At the Kitui Teachers Training College where the Ministry of Energy is holding energy week, Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi landed to commission a gas storage facility, but left immediately, leaving the gathering confused.

State House Digital Communication Director and Head of Special Projects and Creative Economy Dennis Itumbi took to the podium to announce the change of plans 20 minutes later. 

"I wish to announce that today's schedule has been suspended. We shall give further directions tomorrow," he said without giving details.

But by this time, everyone had heard the news of Raila's death.

 [Additional reporting by Philip Muasya]