President William Ruto on Wednesday, October 15 mourned the passing on of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

Speaking at State House, Nairobi, President Ruto described Raila as Kenya’s foremost statesman, and one of Africa’s greatest sons.

In his passing, President Ruto said the loss was not only for Kenya, but Africa and the world “mourn the passing on of a giant of democracy, a fearless freedom fighter, and a tireless warrior of good governance.”

“Raila Amollo Odinga’s name will forever be etched in the story of our republic – a story of struggle, sacrifice, courage, rule of law, hope and of our pursuit for excellence,” President Ruto mourned. “For decades, Raila dedicated his life for to the pursuit of justice, equity and freedom. He endured detention and persecutions so that this nation might know and enjoy democracy.”

President Ruto consoles Mama Ida Odinga at her Karen home

President Ruto’s condolence message (verbatim)

Fellow Kenyans, it is with deep sorrow that I announce to the nation the passing on of the RT Hon. Prime Minister Raila Odinga, a former prime minister, Kenya’s foremost statesman, and one of Africa’s greatest sons. Kenya, Africa and the world mourn the passing on of a giant of democracy, a fearless freedom fighter, and a tireless warrior of good governance.

Raila Amollo Odinga’s name will forever be etched in the story of our republic – a story of struggle, sacrifice, courage, rule of law, hope and of our pursuit for excellence. For decades, Raila dedicated his life for to the pursuit of justice, equity and freedom. He endured detention and persecutions so that this nation might know and enjoy democracy.

He championed reforms that gave birth to the rights and freedoms we hold dear today. His voice spoke for the oppressed. His convictions inspired generations. And his vision shaped the course of our history.

Raila Amollo 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 landscfape.

He was a collosus of Kenya’s mordern politics, an indomitable warrior in our struggle for freedom and prosperity, and a statesman of bountless selflessness.

In his passing, we have lost a patriot of uncommon courage, a pan-Africanist, a unifier who sought peace and unity above power and self gain. An unseizing servant of the people who gave his all to the promise of a better Kenya.

On behalf of a greatfull nation, I extend my deepest condolences to Mama Ida, his children, the entire Odinga family.