President William Ruto has paid tribute to the late Raila Odinga, describing him as “a true patriot and statesman” as arrangements are made for the former prime minister to lie-in-state at Parliament.
In a statement, President Ruto highlighted Mr Odinga’s 15-year service as Member of Parliament for Langata Constituency and his role in shaping Kenya’s legal framework, particularly the 2010 Constitution.
“For fifteen years, our departed leader, the Right Honourable Raila Amollo Odinga, served the people of Langata Constituency with unwavering dedication and distinction as their Member of Parliament,” Mr Ruto said.
“During this time, he was a tireless champion of justice, democracy, and progress — playing a pivotal role in shaping some of the most consequential laws in our Republic’s history, most notably the passage of the 2010 Constitution during his tenure as Kenya’s Prime Minister.”
The president said it was “most fitting” that Mr Odinga would lie-in-state at Parliament, describing it as the “August House” that would grant “the three arms of Government – Executive, Parliament and the Judiciary – and the nation a solemn moment to honour, with reverence and gratitude, the life and legacy of a true patriot and statesman.”
Mr Odinga, 80, died on Wednesday in India after suffering cardiac arrest during a morning walk. His body was repatriated to Kenya by Kenya Airways, with the national carrier praising its crew for their professionalism in carrying out the “solemn duty”.
The tribute from President Ruto is particularly significant given the complex political relationship between the two men. They were rivals in the 2022 presidential election, which Mr Ruto won, though they recently reconciled with Mr Odinga’s opposition party joining the government.
Details of the full state funeral arrangements are expected to be announced in the coming days.
