NAIROBI, Kenya— Kenya will accord former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga a State Funeral with full military honours, President William Samoei Ruto announced on Wednesday following the death of the veteran opposition leader and national icon earlier in the day.
The President made the announcement through an official Presidential Proclamation issued at State House, Nairobi. The directive includes a period of national mourning and full state protocols to honour Odinga’s role in shaping Kenya’s democratic and constitutional history.
“Prime Minister Raila Odinga shall be accorded a State Funeral, with military honours and the attendant State protocols being rendered and observed,” President Ruto stated.
Period of National Mourning Declared
President Ruto declared a period of national mourning from today, October 15, until sunset on the day of Odinga’s interment. During this time, the flag of the Republic of Kenya will be flown at half-mast at:
– State House and all government offices
– public buildings and grounds
– military installations and naval vessels
– diplomatic missions abroad
Senior state officials, including the President, Deputy President, Prime Cabinet Secretary, Chief Justice, Speakers of both Houses of Parliament, Cabinet Secretaries, and diplomats, will not fly the national flag on their official vehicles during the mourning period.
Raila Odinga, who passed away in India where he had been receiving medical treatment, is remembered as one of the most influential political figures in Kenya’s modern history.
“It is with profound sorrow and the deepest sense of loss that I discharge my solemn duty to notify Kenya, Africa, and the world of the passing of The Right Honourable Raila Amolo Odinga,” President Ruto said in the proclamation.
The President paid tribute to Odinga’s legacy, describing him as a visionary leader who “never tired in the pursuit of a better Kenya.”
Flags at Half-Mast, Tributes Pour In
Flags will remain at half-mast across the entire territory of the Republic of Kenya and in diplomatic missions until the day of Odinga’s burial.
“May Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s family be comforted; may his memory be honoured; and may his example be emulated,” the proclamation reads.
Odinga’s death has sparked an outpouring of tributes from leaders, supporters, and international partners who hailed his lifelong commitment to democracy, justice, and national unity.
The President extended the nation’s condolences to the family, acknowledging his decades of service to Kenya and Africa.
The passing of Raila Odinga marks a defining moment in Kenya’s history.
Known affectionately as “Baba,” he was a central figure in the country’s political evolution and constitutional transformation.
The government will announce the full funeral program and interment details in the coming days.