President William Ruto on Wednesday, October 15 declared seven days of national mourning following 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.
“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,” President Ruto said. “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 also said that Raila will be accorded a State Funeral, with military honours and the attendant State protocols being rendered and observed.
Consequently, the flag of the Republic of Kenya shall be flown at 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, and however elsewhere throughout the entire territory of the Republic of Kenya, from today until sunset on the day of Raila’s interment.
The Head of State also directed state officials not to fly the national flag on their official motor vehicles from today until the sunset on the day of Raila’s interment.
“THAT the President, the Deputy-President, the Prime Cabinet Secretary, the Chief Justice, Cabinet Secretaries, the Speaker of the National Assembly, the Speaker of the Senate, Kenya’s diplomats abroad, and whomsoever else is so authorised by law, shall not fly the national flag on their official motor vehicles from today until sunset on the day of his interment,” President Ruto directed.
News of Raila’s passing shocked the nation on Wednesday, October 15 morning, with Indian newspaper Mathrubhumi reporting that Raila collapsed during a morning walk within a Ayurvedic hospital.
He was rushed to Devamatha Hospital in Koothattukulam, where he was pronounced dead at around 7:22 Kenyan time, the spokesperson of the Ayurvedic eye hospital confirmed, as reported by the newspaper.
Raila has been unwell in the recent past, having to travel out of the country for treatment.
Last week, Raila’s elder brother, Oburu Odinga, told the nation that Raila was recovering well in India after being slightly indisposed.
“I want to tell you that Raila is up and about. Just like any other human being, he was indisposed a little and is now recuperating and resting,” Oburu said.
