Ruto, African leaders mourn Raila Odinga, Kenyan flag to be flown at half-mast

President William Ruto, accompanied by members of his Cabinet, paid a solemn visit to the Karen residence of the late Raila Odinga, Kenya’s former Prime Minister and long-time opposition leader, to condole with his widow Ida Odinga and the broader Odinga family.

Dressed in black suits and bearing somber expressions, the president and his team were received with quiet dignity by family members and ODM party officials led by Raila's widow Ida Odinga and his elder brother Dr Oburu Odinga and other members of his family.

President Ruto described Raila as “a fearless champion of democracy whose role in shaping Kenya’s modern political identity is indelible,” adding, “We may have differed politically, but I deeply respected his courage, convictions, and undying love for this nation.”

The scene at the Odinga home was marked by a rare sense of national unity. Among the mourners were leaders from across the political spectrum—those who had once stood beside Raila in rallies and those who had fiercely opposed him in elections.

Their presence served as a testament to the unifying power of death, and the legacy of a man who spent over four decades in public life fighting for reforms, constitutional change, and justice.

Condolences poured in from across Africa and the wider world.

Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan sent a heartfelt message, stating, “In these difficult moments, we pray for our brothers and sisters in Kenya.

Raila Odinga was not just a Kenyan statesman, but a son of Africa. May his dream of unity and justice live on.”

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed also conveyed his sorrow, calling Raila “a visionary leader whose contributions extended beyond Kenya’s borders to touch the very soul of African democracy.”

Messages also came from South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa, who hailed Raila as “a voice of the people, a soldier for democracy,” while former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo called him “an enduring friend of democracy and Pan-Africanism.”

The breadth and emotion of these tributes reflected the historic weight Raila Odinga carried in post-independence African politics.

Born into a politically influential family - his father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, was Kenya’s first Vice President - Raila would grow to surpass even his father’s legacy.

Detained without trial for nearly a decade under the Moi regime, he emerged not weakened, but more determined, becoming the face of the fight against autocracy.

Raila’s political life was defined by resilience. He ran for president five times, most controversially in 2007 and 2017, where disputed results led to national unrest.

Yet despite electoral losses and betrayals, he remained committed to the cause of reform.

His pivotal role in the 2008 power-sharing deal, where he became Prime Minister under Mwai Kibaki after deadly post-election violence, demonstrated his capacity to put country above self.

It was a hallmark of his leadership - at once defiant and conciliatory, radical and pragmatic.

Internationally, Raila’s influence only grew with time.

As the African Union’s High Representative for Infrastructure Development, he championed connectivity and economic integration across the continent.

He saw infrastructure not merely as concrete and steel, but as a tool for political unity.

His push for continental railways, energy corridors, and cross-border roads embodied his belief in African solutions to African problems.

Back home, Raila was instrumental in the making of Kenya’s 2010 Constitution, which introduced devolution and greater checks on executive power.

For many, his name became synonymous with constitutionalism, resistance, and reform.

Even those who disagreed with him politically could not ignore the depth of his public service or the personal sacrifices he made for Kenya’s democratic journey.

In the streets of Nairobi, Kisumu, Mombasa, and countless towns across the country, crowds gathered in mourning.

In some areas, candles were lit, songs sung, and tears shed for a man often fondly called “Baba.”

His death marked the end of an era--the passing of a lion in winter, whose roar for justice echoed long before independence was complete and long after most had grown weary of the struggle.

As Kenya and Africa reflect on his life, one thing is certain, Raila Odinga’s story will not end with his death.

His legacy—of resistance, hope, and unyielding belief in the promise of democracy—will continue to shape the continent for years to come. Later in a state of the nation address at state house, President Ruto announced a seven day mourning period within which National flag will fly half mast across the country and in all diplomatic missions abroad. He also announce that Indian Government has pledged to help in bringing the remains of Mr Odinga home.

And in light of the foregoing, a funeral committee fusing state and family members have been formed.

The team will be led by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Foreign Affairs CS Musalia Mudavadi, Fisheries CS Hassan Joho, Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen, Majority leader in the National Assembly Kimani Ichungwah and minority leader Mr Junet Mohammed, Dr Oginga and son Jaoko Oburu Odinga and other family members.

Meanwhile, the family and the team led by Prof Kindiki and Mr Mudavadi, and Mama Ida Odinga flies immediately to India to go and bring the body home as the state begins to organize for a state burial rites ceremony, Dr Ruto announced.